BANCROFT 

LIBRARY 

C BE AP  EDITION— PRICE  FIFTY  CENTS. 

OUR   ARMY    :    '; 

ON* 

THE  RIO  GRANDE, 


A  SHORT  ACCOUNT  OF  THE  IMPORTANT  EVENTS  TRANSPIRING 

FROM  THE  TIME  OF  THE  REMOVAL  OF  THE  «  ARMY 

OF  OCCUPATION"  FROM  CORPUS  CHRISTI,  TO 

THE  SURRENDER  OF  MATAMOROS; 

• 

WITH  DESCRIPTIONS  OF  ^ 

THE    BATTLES   OF   PALO   ALTO 

AND  RESACA  DE  LA  PALMA, 
THE    BOMBARDMENT    OF    FORT    BROWN, 

AXD  THE  CEREMONIES  OF  THE  SURRENEER  OF 

•MAT  A  MO  RO  S: 

WITH  DESCRIPTIONS  OF  THE  CITY;  &c.  &c. 
BY.T.    B.    THORPE, 

Author  of  "  Tom  Owen,  the  Bee  Hunter,"  i;  My'steries  of  the  Backwoods."  &c. 


Illustrated  by  Twenty-six  Engravings. 


PHILADELPHIA: 
CAREY  &  HART,  128  CHESNUT  STREET. 

For  Sale  by  G.  B-.   Ziel     .  $   Co.,  Philadelphia;    W.  H.  Graham,  New  York 

Redding  4-  Co.  and  B.  B.  Mr.ssey,  Boston;   Wm.  Taylor  4-  Co.  and 

N.  Hickman,      iltirnore;  Drinker  <S-  Morris  and  Nash  <$•  Woodhouse, 

Richmond,  V-  ,        TT  .  CooA:,  Pittsfrirg;   G.  W.  Noble,  Louisville,  Ky 

C.  Marshall,  Lexington,  Ky.;  Robinson  4-  Jones,  Cincinnati; 

J.  C.  Morgan,  J.  B.  Steel  and  B.  M.  Norman,  New  Orleans, 

and  M.  Boullzmet,  Mobile. 


C.  4-  H.  Also  publish  a  4^  CHt AP i  g  ndditior}fl' 

OFFICIAL  REPORTS  OM  :  Mead  sla    ^ 

•    we      r»nr. 


OUR    ARMY 


ON 


THE        RIO        GRANDE. 


INTERIOR   OF    FORT    BROWN. 
The  Graves  of  Major  Brown  and  Lieut  Stevens  at  the  foot  of  the  Flag  staff- 


PHILADELPHIA: 

CAREY    AND     HART. 

1846. 


OUR   ARMY 

ON 

THE    EIO    GRANDE. 

BEING 

A  SHORT  ACCOUNT  OF  THE  IMPORTANT  EVENTS  TRANSPIRING 

FROM  THE  TIME  OF  THE  REMOVAL  OF  THE  "ARMY 

OF  OCCUPATION"  FROM  CORPUS  CHRISTI,  TO 

THE    SURRENDER    OF    MATAMOROSJ 
WITH  DESCRIPTIONS  OF 

THE   BATTLES    OF   PALO   ALTO 

AND 

EESACA   DE    LA    PAL  MA, 
THE   BOMBARDMENT   OF   FORT   BROWN, 

AND 
THE  CEREMONIES  OF  THE  SURRENDER  OF 

MATAMOROS: 

WITH  DESCRIPTIONS  OF  THE   CITY,  ETC.  ETC. 
ILLUSTRATED   BYTWENTY-SIX  ENGRAVINGS, 


BY  T.  B.  THORPE, 

4UTHOR  OF  "  TOM  OWEN,  THE  BEE  HUXTER  ;"  "  MYSTERIES  OF  THE  BACK  WOODS,"  ETC. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

CAREY    AND    HART. 

1846. 


En-OS 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1846,  by 
CAREY  AND   HART, 

in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  for  the  Eastern  District 
of  Pennsylvania. 


STEREOTYPED  BY  JOS.  C.  D.  CHRISTMAS.  T.  K.  &  P.  Q.  COLLINS,  PRINTERS. 


PKEFACE. 


THE  events  treated  of  in  this  work,  are  of  too  recent  occurrence, 
and  of  an  interest  too  absorbing,  to  require  a  preface.  The  author 
was  among  those  who  were  deeply  excited  by  the  stirring  incidents 
connected  with  our  little  army  on  the  Rio  Grande,  in  the  months  of 
April  and  May,  1846,  and  he  was  on  the  battle  fields,  and  among  the 
heroes,  almost  immediately  after  the  occurrences  that  have  rendered 
them  immortal  in  the  history  of  the  country.  The  idea  of  writing 
the  following  little  volume,  was  suggested  by  the  accumulation  of 
materials,  collected  for  the  transient  purpose  of  varying  the  columns 
of  a  daily  paper,  and  urged  on  by  the  honorable  wish  to  record  some 
of  the  noble  deeds  of  our  soldiers,  that  might  otherwise  be  forgotten. 
The  author  is  indebted  to  several  officers  of  high  standing  in  the 
army  for  facilities  of  obtaining  information,  among  whom  he  would 
mention,  in  the  most  respectful  terms,  Major  Gen.  Gaines  and  Gen. 
Worth. 

The  illustrations  of  the  work  are  from  nature,  save  the  one  repre- 
senting the  death  of  Major  Ringgold ;  that  is  an  attempt  to  embody 
the  scene  from  descriptions  of  eye  witnesses.  At  the  time  the  author 
visited  Major  Ringgold's  grave,  at  Point  Isabel,  there  was  nothing,  ex- 
cept the  freshness  of  the  sod,  to  distinguish  it  particularly  from  the 
three  or  four  about  it.  Some  time  afterwards,  his  brother  officers 
protected  it  by  a  significant  railing,  which  the  author  is  happy  to 
learn,  will  be  sent  to  Baltimore  with  the  hero's  remains. 

LOUISIANA,  August,  1846. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Army  leaves  Corpus  Christ! — Face  of  the  country — Deceptive  appearances 
— Fresh  water — Arrival  at  the  Colorado — Crossing  disputed — Prairie- 
Camp  intruders — Point  Isabel — Deputation  dismissed — Fanques  del  Ra 
minero -....._  n 

CHAPTER  II. 

The  army  arrives  opposite  Matamoros — Our  flag  raised  on  the  Rio  Grande- 
Gen.  Worth  passes  over  to  Matamoros — Interesting  interview — Shooting 
deserters — Run-away  slaves — Social  intercourse  between  the  two  armies 
suspended — Ampudia's  proclamation  ......  17 

CHAPTER  III. 

Fort  Brown  commenced — Col.  Cross  disappears — Gen.  Ampudia  arrives  in 
Matamoras — A  parley — Gen.  Ampudia's  Letter — Gen.  Taylor's  answer — 
Lieut.  Porter — Blockade  of  the  Rio  Grande — Reasons  for  so  doing — Hostile 
appearances — Gen.  Arista's  advice  to  the  soldiers  of  the  United  States- 
Discovery  of  the  murdered  body  of  Col.  Cross  -----  26 

CHAPTER  IV. 

The  Mexicans  commence  crossing  the  Rio  Grande — Col.  Cross's  funeral— * 
Prospect  of  hostilities  thicken — Arrival  of  Gen.  Arista  in  Matamoros— 
His  letter  to  Gen.  Taylor — Captain  Thornton's  command  captured — Parti- 
culars of  his  surprise — Death  of  Lieut.  Mason — Communication  with  Point 
Isabel  cut  off  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  38 

CHAPTER  V. 

Brazos  Santiago — Incident  in  its  history — Entrance  in  the  bay— Point  Isabel — 
Don  Roderiguez — His  conduct — Retreat  from  Point  Isabel — Col.  Twiggs 
takes  possession  of  it — Made  a  depot  of  military  stores — Major  Munroe  takes 
command — Stirring  incidents — Capt.  Walker  leaves  for  Fort  Brown  45 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Gen.  Taylor,  with  the  army,  march  out  of  Fort  Brown — The  Fort — Mexican 
account  thereof — Mexican  valor — Sorrow  at  not  meeting  Gen.  Taylor— 


vi  CONTENTS. 

Bombardment  commenced — Incident — Death  of  Sergeant  Weigart — Mexi- 
can account  of  the  first  day's  bombardment — Triumph  of  their  arms — 
Bravery  of  the  people  of  Matamoros — Additional  particulars— Bulletin  of 
Northern  Division — Glory  of  the  Mexican  arms — Their  future  prospects 
with  posterity 49 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Bombardment — Point  Isabel — Capt.  May  attempts  a  communication  with 
Fort  Brown — Incidents  connected  therewith — Major  Brown's  orders  to  his 
men — Appearance  of  the  enemy — Bombardment  resumed — Mexican  re- 
connoisance — Anecdote -  -  -  -59 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Gen.  Taylor's  orders  to  Major  Brown-— Signal  eighteen-pounders — Bomb- 
proof shelters — Manner  of  escaping  from  the  bursting  shells — Anecdote 
of  a  dodger — Mexican  on  the  look  out — Major  Brown  mortally  wounded— 
White  flag — Correspondence  between  Gen.  Arista  and  Capt.  Hawkins — 
Infantry  attack — Bombardment  at  night — Mexicans  fired  into — New  bat- 
teries opened — Interference  with  music — Mexican  forlorn  hope — Excite- 
ment in  Fort  Brown — Distant  cannonading — Anticipations  -  -  65 

CHAPTER   IX. 

The  army  leaves  Point  Isabel — Encamps  for  the  night — Plains  of  the  Palo 
Alto — Preliminaries  of  battle — Lieut.  Blake's  reconnoisance — Battle  of  the 
8th  commences — Churchill's  batteries — Ringgold's  batteries — Duncan's  bat- 
teries— Mexican  charge — Repulse — Ridgely's  batteries— Ringgold's — Dun- 
can's—The prairie  on  fire — Action  suspended 73 

CHAPTER   X. 

Action  resumed — New  line  of  battle — A  brave  soldier — Capt.  Page  wound- 
ed—  Ringgold's  battery  —  Ringgold's  fall  —  Mexican  charge  —  Repulse- 
Duncan's  battery,  its  movements — Close  of  the  battle — The  wounded — 
Council — Result — Gen.  Taylor's  despatch — Gen.  Arista's  despatch  -  79 

CHAPTER  XL 

Morning  of  the  9th — The  train  parked — A  dead  cavalry  officer— Evidences 
of  the  battle  of  the  8th — Interesting  incident — Advance  guard  under  Capt. 
McCall — Fatal  accident  to  Lieut.  Blake — Burial  of  the  dead — Evidences 
of  a  murder — Enemy  discovered — Resaca  de  la  Palma — Lieut.  Dobbins— 
Ridgely  ordered  forward — The  battle  begins — It  becomes  general  -  89 


CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Gen.  Taylor's  order  to  Capt.  May — Ridgely's  coolness — May's  charge — Its 
effects — Fall  of  Lieut.  Inge — The  capture  of  Gen.  Vega — The  Fifth  charges 
— Capt.  Hooe  wounded — Lieut.  Col.  Payne  wounded — The  Eighth — Lieut. 
Col.  Belknap's  charge — Lieut.  Lincoln — Fall  of  Lieut.  Chadbourne — Lieut. 
Jordan  wounded — The  Third — The  Fourth — Capt.  Buchanan — Lieutenants 
Woods  and  Hays — Capt.  Barbour — Gallantry  and  death  of  Corporal  Chis- 
holm — Lieut.  Col.  Mclntosh  wounded — Charge  of  Duncan's  battery — 
Incident — Arista's  camp — Charge  of  Mexican  cavalry — Death  of  Lieut. 
Cochrane 96 

CHAPTER   XIII. 

The  fort — The  flag — Death  of  Major  Brown — Intense  excitement — Specula- 
tions on  the  battle — Evidences  of  defeat — Retreat — Pursuit — Mexicans—- 
Col. Curasco— Gen.  Ampudia — Death  of  Father  Leary — Consternation  in 
•Matamoros — Terrible  effects  of  the  defeat — Gen.  Taylor's  despatch  from. 
Resaca  de  la  Palma 105 

CHAPTER   XIV. 

Burial  of  the  dead  on  Resaca  de  la  Palma — Lieut.  Inge — Lieut.  Chadbourne— 
Lieut.  Cochrane — Affecting  Incident — Exchange  of  prisoners — Mexican  ser- 
geant— Gen.  Vega — Prisoners  of  war — Wounded — Gen.  Taylor  starts  for 
Point  Isabel — Com.  Conner — "Jack  ashore" — Meeting — Major  Ringgold— 
His  death — Official  despatch 112 

CHAPTER   XV. 

Gen.  Taylor  starts  for  camp — Returns  —  Lieut.  Col.  Wilson's  command— 
Taking  of  Barita — Appearance  of  it — Proclamation — Preparations  for  tak- 
ing Matamoros— Armistice  proposed — Ceremonies  thereof— Death  of  Lieut. 
Stevens — Raising  of  the  flag — Disposition  of  the  army — Head  quarters 
of  Gen.  Taylor  —  Governor  of  Matamoros — Prefect — A  plain  talk — Lieut. 
Col.  Garland  pursues  Arista — Is  fired  upon — Anecdote — The  Rio  Grande 
after  the  battles — The  battle  fields 120 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

Early  history  of  Matamoros — It  becomes  important  to  the  government — Its 
situation — Appearance  from  Fort  Brown — Red  tower — The  ferry  Anacuita 
— Its  attendants — Ferrymen — Ranchero — Cattle  driving — Sudden  order — 
Suburbs  of  Matamoros — Mexican  hedge — Sand-bag  fort  battery — Changes 
— Commander-in-chief  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -129 


vi  CONTENTS. 


Bombardment  commenced — Incident — Death  of  Sergeant  Weigart — Mexi- 
can account  of  the  first  day's  bombardment — Triumph  of  their  arms — 
Bravery  of  the  people  of  Matamoros — Additional  particulars— Bulletin  of 
Northern  Division — Glory  of  the  Mexican  arms — Their  future  prospects 
with  posterity 49 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Bombardment — Point  Isabel — Capt.  May  attempts  a  communication  with 
Fort  Brown — Incidents  connected  therewith — Major  Brown's  orders  to  his 
men — Appearance  of  the  enemy — Bombardment  resumed — Mexican  re- 
connoisance — Anecdote -  -  -  -59 

CHAPTER  VIII 

Gen.  Taylor's  orders  to  Major  Brown— Signal  eighteen-pounders — Bomb- 
proof shelters — Manner  of  escaping  from  the  bursting  shells — Anecdote 
of  a  dodger — Mexican  on  the  look  out — Major  Brown  mortally  wounded— 
White  flag — Correspondence  between  Gen.  Arista  and  Capt.  Hawkins — 
Infantry  attack — Bombardment  at  night — Mexicans  fired  into — New  bat- 
teries opened — Interference  with  music — Mexican  forlorn  hope — Excite- 
ment in  Fort  Brown — Distant  cannonading — Anticipations  -  -  65 

CHAPTER   IX. 

The  army  leaves  Point  Isabel — Encamps  for  the  night — Plains  of  the  Palo 
Alto — Preliminaries  of  battle — Lieut.  Blake's  reconnoisance — Battle  of  the 
8th  commences — Churchill's  batteries — Ringgold's  batteries — Duncan's  bat- 
teries— Mexican  charge — Repulse — Ridgely's  batteries— Ringgold's — Dun- 
can's— The  prairie  on  fire — Action  suspended 73 

CHAPTER   X. 

Action  resumed — New  line  of  battle — A  brave  soldier — Capt.  Page  wound- 
ed—  Ringgold's  battery — Ringgold's  fall  —  Mexican  charge  —  Repulse- 
Duncan's  battery,  its  movements — Close  of  the  battle — The  wounded — 
Council — Result — Gen.  Taylor's  despatch — Gen.  Arista's  despatch  -  79 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Morning  of  the  9th — The  train  parked — A  dead  cavalry  officer— Evidences 
of  the  battle  of  the  8th — Interesting  incident — Advance  guard  under  Capt. 
McCall — Fatal  accident  to  Lieut.  Blake — Burial  of  the  dead — Evidences 
of  a  murder — Enemy  discovered — Resaca  de  la  Palma — Lieut.  Dobbins— 
Ridgely  ordered  forward — The  battle  begins — It  becomes  general  -  89 


CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Gen.  Taylor's  order  to  Capt.  May — Ridgely's  coolness — May's  charge — Its 
effects — Fall  of  Lieut.  Inge — The  capture  of  Gen.  Vega — The  Fifth  charges 
— Capt.  Hooe  wounded — Lieut.  Col.  Payne  wounded — The  Eighth — Lieut. 
Col.  Belknap's  charge — Lieut.  Lincoln — Fall  of  Lieut.  Chadbourne — Lieut. 
Jordan  wounded — The  Third — The  Fourth — Capt.  Buchanan — Lieutenants 
Woods  and  Hays — Capt.  Barbour — Gallantry  and  death  of  Corporal  Chis- 
holm — Lieut.  Col.  Mclntosh  wounded — Charge  of  Duncan's  battery — 
Incident — Arista's  camp — Charge  of  Mexican  cavalry — Death  of  Lieut. 
Cochrane 96 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

The  fort — The  flag — Death  of  Major  Brown — Intense  excitement — Specula- 
tions on  the  battle — Evidences  of  defeat — Retreat — Pursuit — Mexicans- 
Col.  Curasco — Gen.  Ampudia — Death  of  Father  Leary — Consternation  in 
-Matamoros — Terrible  effects  of  the  defeat — Gen.  Taylors  despatch  from 
Resaca  de  la  Palma 105 

CHAPTER   XIV. 

Burial  of  the  dead  on  Resaca  de  la  Palma — Lieut.  Inge — Lieut.  Chadbourne— 
Lieut.  Cochrane — Affecting  Incident — Exchange  of  prisoners — Mexican  ser- 
geant— Gen.  Vega — Prisoners  of  war — Wounded — Gen.  Taylor  starts  for 
Point  Isabel — Com.  Conner — "Jack  ashore" — Meeting — Major  Ringgold— 
His  death — Official  despatch 112 

CHAPTER   XV. 

Gen.  Taylor  starts  for  camp — Returns  —  Lieut.  Col.  Wilson's  command- 
Taking  of  Barita — Appearance  of  it — Proclamation — Preparations  for  tak- 
ing Matamoros— Armistice  proposed — Ceremonies  thereof— Death  of  Lieut. 
Stevens — Raising  of  the  flag — Disposition  of  the  army — Head  quarters 
of  Gen.  Taylor  —  Governor  of  Matamoros — Prefect — A  plain  talk — Lieut. 
Col.  Garland  pursues  Arista — Is  fired  upon — Anecdote — The  Rio  Grande 
after  the  battles — The  battle  fields 120 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

Early  history  of  Matamoros — It  becomes  important  to  the  government — Its 
situation — Appearance  from  Fort  Brown — Red  tower — The  ferry  Anacuita 
— Its  attendants — Ferrymen — Ranchero — Cattle  driving — Sudden  order — 
Suburbs  of  Matamoros — Mexican  hedge — Sand-bag  fort  battery — Changes 
— Commander-in-chief  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  .-129 


viii  CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

The  bridge — Change  in  the  country — Private  residence  of  a  wealthy  citizen- 
Newspaper  in  Mexico  —  Interior  of  the  city  —  Plaza  —  Cathedral  —  Its 
front — Chapel — Its  worshippers — Halls  of  justice — Head  quarters  of  our 
troops — Mexican  prison — A  prisoner  free — Court  room — Military  stores—- 
The rich  widow — Her  mules 139 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Chapel  de  la  Capilla — Its  use  by  Gen.  Arista — Its  ornaments — Its  worship- 
pers— Incident — The  grated  house— Suburbs  of  the  town — The  ruined  bar- 
racks— The  red  tower — Scene  suggested — Mexican  hospitals — Treatment 
of  the  sick— Their  appearance — The  artillery — Musket  wound — Market 
square — Its  commodities — Queer  dogs — Mexican  exquisite  -  -  147 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

Abandoned  public  stores  in  Matamoros — The  copper  shells — Mexican  im- 
posts— Large  gun-carriages — Saddles — Evidences  of  hasty  retreat — Revo- 
lutions in  Mexico — Their  effects  on  the  business  of  Matamoros — Its  pros- 
pects under  a  settled  government — Number  of  men  engaged  in  the  battles 
—Arista's  statements — French  consul's  statement — Alcade  Gomez — Pro- 
bable number  of  troops — Conduct  of  our  soldiers — The  moral  effects  of 
the  battles 155 

CHAPTER   XX. 

ANECDOTES  AND  INCIDENTS. 

The  Generals  in  Camp — Hard  to  whip — A  chivalrous  soldier — Case  of  army 
cruelty — Mexican  lieut.  col.,  a  la  Gen.  Vega — A  perfidious  Mexican— A 
sufferer  by  the  bombardment — Amusing  scene  in  Matamoros — Mutilating 
the  dead — Mexican  exaggeration— Unexpected  attack — A  gratified  Mexi- 
can— The  Smith  family  in  Mexico— Rio  Grande  deer,  largest  on  record- 
Mexican  soldiers — The  trophies  of  the  war — A  boxing  Irishman — Young 
Mclntosh — A  fighting  clergyman  west  of  the  Rio  Grande — Commerce  on 
the  Rio  Grande — A  brave  Mexican — Sergeant  Vandenhoof — A  bold  act— 
Capt.  Bliss's  horse — A  death  avenged — A  Mexican's  eye  to  business— A 
Jersey  boy — Dogs  in  the  battle — Gen.  Taylor's  frankness — Winning  a 
saddle — The  force  of  a  ball — Mexican  rations — Craniological  curiosity — 
A  squadron  of  disappointed  lovers — Mexican  cruelty — Beautiful  remark — 
Chivalrous  act 160 


CONTENTS.  ix 

CHAPTER  XXL 

Translations  from  Mexican  papers  found  in  Matamoros — An  editor  speculates 
on  the  propriety  of  anniversaries — He  glories  in  the  great  days  of  the  Mexi- 
can nation — Some  doubt  comes  on  his  mind  about  the  unsullied  character 
of  his  national  flag — Glorious  prospects,  if  certain  things  come  to  pass — 
Ampudia'a  resignation  to  Arista — Canales  threatens  to  exterminate  the 
Anglo-American  nation — Ampudia's  proclamation  against  illicit  trade — 
Arista's  report  of  the  Mexican  killed  and  wounded  on  the  8th  and  9th— 
Parrode  to  the  troops  of  the  department  of  Tamaulipas  ...  177 

CHAPTER  XXII. 
Major  General  Z.  Taylor— His  military  History     -  -  184 

OBITUARY. 

Major  Jacob  Brown — Major  Samuel  Ringgold — Capt.  John  Page  —  Lieut. 
J.  E.  Blake — Lieut.  Theodore  Lincoln  Chadbourne — Lieut.  Z.  M.  P.  Inge 
—Lieut.  R.  E  Cochrane -  -  189 


OUR   ARMY 

THE    RIO    GRANDE. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Army  leaves  Corpus  Christ! — Face  of  the  country — Deceptive  appearances 
— Fresh  water — Arrival  at  the  Colorado — Crossing  disputed — Prairie — 
Camp  intruders — Point  Isabel — Deputation  dismissed — Fanques  del  Ra- 
minero. 

AFTER  a  long  and  uninteresting  sojourn  at  Corpus  Christi,  the 
"Army  of  Occupation"  received  orders  to  march,  and  take  up  its  position 
on  the  Rio  Grande.  A  change  even  for  "  worse"  would  have  been 
a  relief  to  both  officers  and  men  ;  but  a  change  so  evidently  for  the 
"better"  was  hailed  with  the  greatest  pleasure  by  all.  On  the  llth 
day  of  March,  1846,  the  army  broke  up  its  encampment,  and  com- 
menced winding  its  way  over  the  desert  country  that  lies  between 
the  river  Nueces  and  the  Rio  Grande  del  Norte.  That  apparent 
suspension  of  vegetation,  and  every  other  blessing  that  makes  a  de- 

NOTE. — In  the  spring  of  1844,  pending  the  negotiation  for  the  annexation 
of  Texas,  two  regiments  of  infantry,  and  one  of  dragoons,  constituting  a  corps 
of  observation,  were  concentrated  near  the  Sabine,  by  order  of  President  Tyler. 
The  command  of  this  corps  was  intrusted  to  Gen.  Taylor,  who  was  instructed, 
in  general  terms,  to  protect  Texas  from  Mexican  invasion,  during  "  the  nego- 
tiation.1' In  the  midsummer  of  1845  the  "  army  of  observation"  was  aug- 
mented by  an  artillery  company,  from  Charleston,  S.  C.,  and  the  army  was 
then  denominated  the  "  Army  of  Occupation,"  consisting  of  two  regiments  of 
infantry,  one  of  dragoons,  and  a  single  company  of  artillery,  the  whole  force 
amounting  to  fifteen  hundred  men.  On  the  26th  of  June,  1845,  an  artillery 
company,  equipped  as  infantry,  sailed  from  Charleston,  S.  C.,  to  New  Or- 
leans, under  orders  from  the  secretary  of  war.  Gen.  Taylor  sailed  from  New 
Orleans,  on  the  23d  of  July,  with  three  ships  and  two  steamboats,  for  Aransas 
bay.  On  the  3d  of  August  the  whole  "Army  of  Occupation"  had  landed  at 
St.  Joseph's  island,  in  Corpus  Christi  bay,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Nueces. 
About  the  middle  of  August  a  document  was  found  among  some  wrecked 

11 


12  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

sirable  habitation  for  man,  has  been  alluded  to  by  certain  statesmen, 
as  particularly  suited  for  a  division  line  between  two  great  nations. 
The  country  over  which  the  army  passed  was  mostly  rolling  prairie ; 
the  barrenness  of  which  was  only  relieved  by  the  wiry  grass  which 
affords  grazing  for  cattle.  The  quality  of  the  soil,  together  with  the 
total  want  of  woodland,  and  wholesome  water,  will  ever  keep  it  from 
becoming  permanently  occupied  by  man.  As  they  proceeded  toward 
the  Rio  Grande,  the  face  of  the  country  gradually  lessened  in  interest, 
and  after  a  wearisome  march  of  seven  days  the  army  found  them- 
selves in  a  barren,  Sahara-like  desert.  The  suffering  now  became 
intense ;  not  only  were  the  necessary  fatigues  of  a  march  to  be  en- 
countered, but  to  this  was  added  the  deprivation  of  water,  life's 
greatest  blessing,  while  the  appearance  of  every  thing  around  was 
calculated  to  depress  the  mind,  and  cause  it  to  suffer  equally  with 
the  body. 

Suddenly  the  scene  changed.  Islands  of  stunted  green  forests  be- 
came scattered  over  the  landscape,  crystal  lakes  glistened  in  the 
sun,  and  reflected,  as  mirrors,  the  clear,  blue  sky  above.  But,  alas, 
the  green  clumps  that  at  a  distance  had  promised  so  delightful  a 
shelter  from  the  scorching  sun,  were  composed  of  the  jagged  thorn 
tree,  and  impenetrable  cactus ;  and  the  fairy  lakes,  so  beautiful  to 
the  eye,  as  if  to  tantalise,  were  filled  with  salt,  thirst-creating  water. 
The  ground  seemed  heated  ashes,  in  which  the  foot  would  sink  at 
every  step.  Human  nature  sunk,  exhausted,  while  the  cattle  dropped 
in  their  tracks.  The  Spanish  bayonet  alone  seemed  luxuriant,  and 

goods  on  the  shores  of  Aransas  bay,  which  proved  to  be  a  war  proclamation 
of  the  Mexican  government.  Deceived  by  its  belligerent  tone,  Gen.  Taylor 
announced  to  his  army  that  war  had  been  declared.  At  this  time  a  small 
portion  of  the  army  was  west  of  the  Nueces,  the  remainder  being  on  St.  Jo- 
seph's island.  On  the  16th  of  August  some  smugglers  reported  that  Gen. 
Arista  was  on  his  march  to  meet  Gen.  Taylor  with  three  thousand  choice 
troops.  Vague  rumors  reached  New  Orleans  that  an  overwhelming  Mexi- 
can force  was  rapidly  marching  towards  the  Nueces,  when  the  citizens  of 
that  city  despatched  two  companies  of  artillery  to  his  assistance,  and  the 
secretary  of  war  ordered  out  an  additional  force  of  forty-five  companies. 
Ou  the  15th  of  October  Gen.  Taylor  writes  to  the  secretary  of  war  that  his 
whole  force  is  three  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty  men.  On  the  13th 
of  January,  184G,  Secretary  Marcy,  for  the  president,  ordered  Gen.  Taylor  to 
move  his  force  towards  the  Rio  Grande.  These  orders  Gen.  Taylor  received 
February  4th,  and  immediately  commenced  the  necessary  preparations  to 
accomplish  such  an  object. 


ARRIVAL  AT  THE  COLORADO.  13 

by  its  needle-pointed  leaves  appeared  to  mock  those  who  would 
gather  its  snowy  blossoms.  It  seemed  the  representative  of  all 
nature  around  it,  where  the  general  beauty,  like  its  own,  led  those  to 
ruin  who  would  embrace  it. 

Again  there  was  a  stretch  of  barren  desert,  and  beyond  this  was  a 
fountain  of  wealth,  far  more  coveted  than  gold — fresh  water  was  be- 
fore them.  Men,  who  were  apparently  exhausted  beyond  recovery, 
made  one  desperate  effort  to  reach  the  life-giving  spring.  Years  of 
suffering  had  been  crowded  into  a  few  hours'  march,  for  a  tropical 
sun  and  a  parched  mouth  make  the  soul  tremble,  from  the  suffering 
of  the  body  it  inhabits.  Under  the  excitement  the  faint  and  exhausted 
infantry  pressed  onward  with  renewed  life,  while  some  miles  ahead 
the  artillery  were  seen,  at  a  halt,  enjoying  the  luxury  of  water.  As 
the  soldiers  reached  it  discipline  was  forgotten,  their  arms  thrown 
down,  they  rushed  bodily  in,  thrusting  even  their  heads  beneath  the 
waves,  in  their  desire  to  quench  the  thirst  that  was  consuming  their 
vitals. 

Gen.  Taylor,  with  "  the  advance,"  reached  the  Colorado  on  the 
20th.  This  lovely  stream  of  clear,  salt  water,  winds  its  way  through 
bluff  banks  twenty  or  thirty  feet  in  height.  Its  borders  are  lined  for 
a  very  great  distance  inland  with  thickets  of  thorn  bushes,  inter- 
spersed with  a  dwarfish  tree,  called  the  mosquete.  This  "  chaparral" 
is  almost  impenetrable,  the  smaller  shrubs  are  of  the  toughest  kinds 
of  woods,  and  as  if  its  thorns  and  strength  were  not  sufficient  to  repel 
invasion,  enormous  prickly  pears  spring  up  in  every  place  where 
room  can  be  found  for  its  roots. 

When  Gen.  Taylor  appeared  on  the  bank  of  this  river  he  found,  as 
had  been  rumored,  a  party  of  Mexicans  there,  who  disputed  his  pas- 
sage with — their  tongues.  They  told  him  that  if  an  attempt  was 
made  to  cross  the  river,  they  would  fire  upon  his  troops,  such  being 
their  orders.  The  army  was  immediately  formed  into  line  of  battle, 
and  it  was  thought  hostilities  would  now  commence,  if  such  were  the 
orders  of  the  Mexican  commander,  as  the  place  was  a  favorable  one 
in  which  to  dispute  Gen.  Taylor's  progress.  The  Mexicans  now 
sounded  bugles  for  a  great  distance,  both  up  and  clown  the  river, 
evidently  wishing  to  create  the  impression  that  there  was  a  large  force 
in  the  vicinity.  Our  troops,  although  they  expected  to  cross  the  river 


14  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

under  a  shower  of  musketry,  were  eager  to  advance.  Some  delay 
occurred  in  making  a  road  down  the  bank.  Gen.  Taylor  informed  the 
Mexicans,  that  as  soon  as  this  was  completed  he  would  cross,  and 
that  he  should  fire  upon  any  one  of  them  that  appeared  in  arms  after 
he  commenced  so  doing.  The  artillery  was  drawn  up  to  cover  the 
ford,  and  their  port  fires  lighted.  There  now  arrived  an  officer  from 
Matamoros,  an  aid  to  the  commander-in-chief  of  that  city,  Gen.  Mejia, 
who  delivered  to  Gen.  Taylor  a  letter,  the  contents  of  which  were, 
that,  if  the  American  army  crossed  the  Colorado,  the  Mexicans  would 
consider  it  a  declaration  of  war,  and  hostilities  would  at  once  ensue. 

The  road  down  the  river  bank  being  by  this  time  completed,  the 
order  of  «  forward"  was  given.  Capt.  C.  F.  Smith,  with  four  compa- 
nies of  artillery,  constituted  the  "forlorn  hope."  These  now  gal- 
lantly dashed  into  the  ford,  Gen.  Worth  leading  the  way.  No  enemy 
appeared  in  sight,  and  the  best  opportunity  that  the  Mexicans  ever 
had  of  opposing  the  American  army  was  lost  to  them. 

On  the  22d  the  army  moved  in  four  columns  across  the  prairie 
towards  Matamoros.  The  immense  number  of  huge  rattlesnakes  now 
met  with  was  almost  incredible;  they  seemed  literally  to  fill  the 
country  between  the  Colorado  and  the  lakes,  reaching  within  a  few 
miles  of  Point  Isabel.  They  glided  through  the  long  grass,  striking 
terror  to  all,  and  crawled  by  hundreds  into  the  "  camp"  of  the  soldiers, 
coiling  themselves  under  the  blankets;  a  location  they  seemed  to 
prefer  to  any  other  among  the  "  army  equipments."  So  numerous 
were  these  serpents,  that  the  soldiers  humorously  took  the  precaution 
to  shake  their  knapsacks  in  the  morning,  to  know  if  they  were  occu- 
pied. Occasionally  would  the  ear  be  saluted  with  a  noise  resembling 
the  pouring  of  shot  into  a  tin  cup,  and  that  knapsack  was  treated  ac- 
cordingly. 

Gen.  Taylor  having  heard  that  the  Mexicans  held  Point  Isabel,  the 
harbor  on  the  Texian  coast  nearest  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande, 
and  the  contemplated  depot  for  his  "  military  stores,"  determined  to 
change  his  route,  and  march  for  that  place.  The  country  was  now 
hourly  growing  richer  in  its  agricultural  appearance.  Deer  were  seen 
through  the  distant  openings,  and  a  great  variety  of  duck,  and  other 
water-fowl,  skimmed  over  the  ponds. 

On  the  24th  the  army  reached  the  "  Matamoros  road,"  that  runs 


POINT  ISABEL— MATAMOROS.  15 


between  that  city  and  Point  Isabel.  Gen.  Taylor,  learning  that  the 
point  was  not  occupied  by  Mexican  troops,  ordered  a  "  halt,"  and 
then  proceeded  with  the  dragoons,  and  the  "  train,"  to  that  place. 
The  army  moved  forward  some  six  miles,  under  the  command  of 
Gen.  Worth,  when  it  encamped,  to  await  the  return  of  the  commander- 
in-chief. 

Gen.  Taylor  was  met  near  Point  Isabel  by  a  deputation  of  citizens, 
at  the  head  of  which  was  the  Prefect  of  the  State  of  Tamaulipas,  to 
protest  against  his  occupation  of  the  country.  The  general,  who  had 
now  become  quite  accustomed  to  Mexican  "  Pronunciamientos,"  would 
most  likely  have  dismissed  the  deputation  without  a  reply,  but  upon 
the  instant,  discovering  the  smoke  of  what  he  judged  to  be  the  firing 
of  the  houses  at  Point  Isabel,  he  told  the  prefect  that  he  would  give 
him  an  answer  when  opposite  Matamoros  on  the  28th.  Gen.  Taylor 
then  ordered  forward  the  dragoons,  under  Col.  Twiggs,  to  stop,  if  pos- 
sible, the  conflagration,  and  arrest  the  authors  of  it.  Steamboats  with 
"  supplies  for  the  army"  arrived  at  Point  Isabel  almost  at  the  same 
instant  with  Gen.  Taylor,  so  admirably  had  he  arranged  the  business 
of  the  campaign. 

The  army  now  rapidly  advanced  toward  Matamoros,  the  country, 
as  they  approached,  seeming  more  rich  in  vegetation,  while  the  masses 
of  "  chaparral"  were  more  frequent  as  they  neared  the  Rio  Grande. 
Several  places  as  they  passed  along  were  noticed  as  favorable  posi- 
tions for  an  opposing  army  to  occupy,  and  Gen.  Taylor  pointed  out 
one  where  he  said  he  would  have  a  battle  with  the  Mexicans,  if  they 
were  disposed  to  meet  him  in  the  open  field.  A  few  weeks  after  this 
casual  remark  was  made,  the  spot  thus  designated  by  Gen.  Taylor, 
became  known  to  the  world  as  the  battle  ground  of  Resaca  de  la 
Palma. 

It  was  with  the  most  pleasurable  feelings  that  both  officers  and  men 
saw,  iii  the  distance,  the  deep  blue  haze  that  marked  the  serpentine 
course  of  the  Rio  Grande,  and  the  prospect  of  once  more  resting  "  in 
camp,"  with  the  luxury  of  a  fresh  water  river  rolling  by,  while  all 
around  them  was  spring-like  vegetation ;  this,  with  the  novelty  of  the 
scene,  all  conspired  to  fill  our  army  with  delight.  Large  droves  of 
splendid  horned  cattle  were  now  frequently  seen,  and  occasionally  a 
small  cotton  field,  hedged  in  by  thorn  bushes,  strengthened  by  trunks 


16  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

of  trees  set  in  the  ground,  gave  welcome  evidence  of  a  settled  country 
Scattered  Mexican  huts  next  appeared.  The  army  was  approaching 
the  hacienda  Fanques  del  Raminero,  and  with  it  all  the  signs  of  idle, 
tropical  life.  Gardens  of  pomegranate  and  orange  trees  filled  the  air 
with  fragrance ;  and  perhaps  the  familiar  sound  of  chickens,  that  sug 
gested  fresh  eggs  and  broils,  was  equally  musical  to  the  tired  soldier, 
while  the  voices  of  the  singing  birds,  from  every  hedge,  poured  forth 
sweet  music,  as  if  to  greet  the  "  Army  of  Occupation."  A  large  num- 
ber of  irregular  Mexican  soldiers  retreated  before  the  march  of  our 
army ;  a  few  of  these  stragglers  distinguished  themselves  by  capturing 
two  of  our  dragoons  who  were  u  far  in  the  advance ;"  also  the  horse 
of  a  bugler  boy,  who  managed  to  escape  his  pursuers,  and  bring  the 
news  of  the  capture  of  his  comrades.  The  tidings  of  this  outrage 
created  a  great  deal  of  excitement. 


ARRIVAL  OPPOSITE  MATAMOROS.  17 


CHAPTER   II. 

The  army  arrives  opposite  Matamoros — Our  flag  raised  on  the  Rio  Grande — 
Gen.  Worth  passes  over  to  Matamoros — Interesting  interview — Shooting 
deserters — Run-away  slaves — Social  intercourse  between  the  two  armies 
suspended — Ampudia's  proclamation. 

THE  "  Army  of  Occupation"  arrived  upon  the  east  bank  of  the 
Rio  Grande,  and  opposite  Matamoros,  between  11  and  12  o'clock 
on  the  morning  of  the  28th  day  of  March,  1846.  Nothing  could 
exceed  the  joy  of  the  soldiers  on  beholding  this  river  which  formed, 
at  that  time,  the  latest  south-western  boundary  of  the  United  States. 
The  rich  verdure  of  the  banks,  the  cultivated  gardens  scattered  around, 
and  the  clustering  fig  and  pomegranate  trees,  seemed  like  fairy  land, 
when  contrasted  with  the  desert  over  which  they  had  passed.  The 
approach  of  the  army  had,  of  course,  been  announced  in  the  city  of 
Matamoros,  and  its  population  had  turned  out  by  thousands,  lining 
the  west  bank  of  the  river  with  dense  masses  of  curious  faces  to 
witness  the  proceedings.  The  Mexican  national  flag  was  flying  from 
the  head  quarters  of  Gen.  Mejia,  at  that  time  commander  of  the  forces 
in  the  city.  A  temporary  flagstaff,  prepared  by  the  Eighth  Regiment, 
under  the  superintendence  of  Lieut.  Col.  Bel  knap,  was  raised,  bearing 
aloft  our  national  ensign,  with  no  other  demonstration  of  joy  than  was 
pealed  forth  by  our  bands,  one  playing  the  Star  Spangled  Banner^ 
while  the  other  gave  forth  the  inspiring  notes  of  Yankee  Doodle. 
The  instant  our  flag  was  run  up,  it  was  saluted  from  Matamoros  by 
the  consulate  flags  of  the  English  and  French  nations.  The  army 
looked  in  vain  for  the  American  flag ;  it  was  murmured  from  mouth 
to  mouth,  "  Where  is  our  flag !"  "  What  has  become  of  our  consul !" 

Directly  after  our  colors  had  been  raised  on  the  east  of  the  Rio 
Grande,  Gen.  Worth  and  his  staff  were  directed  to  cross  the  river  with 
a  communication  from  Gen.  Taylor  to  the  commander-in-chief  of  the 
Mexican  forces,  and  the  civil  authorities.  Gen.  Worth  and  suite  de- 
scended to  the  water's  edge,  bearing  a  white  flag,  which  was  soon  an « 
swered  by  a  boat  from  the  Mexican  side,  bearing  two  officers,  (repre- 

2 


18  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


sented  as  cavalry  officers,)  an  interpreter,  and  one  other  person.  A 
message  was  then  sent  to  inform  the  commanding  officer  of  the  Mexi- 
can forces,  that  a  general  officer  of  the  United  States  Army  had  been 
sent  by  his  commanding  general  with  despatches  to  the  commanding 
general  at  Matamoros,  and  to  the  civil  authorities ;  and  that  an  inter- 
view was  requested.* 

After  some  conversation  explanatory  of  the  above,  the  Mexican 
party  recrossed  the  river  to  report  to  the  commanding  general  at  Ma- 
tamoros and  return  with  his  reply.  An  open  note  for  the  American 
consul  at  Matamoros,  with  an  endorsement  on  the  back  in  pencil,  was 
delivered  to  the  Mexican  officer.  He  replied,  that  he  should  hand  it 
to  the  commanding  general.  "  Certainly — -of  course,"  was  Gen. 
Worth's  remark  in  reply. 

On  the  return  of  the  same  party,  Gen.  Mejia  sent  word,  that  if  the 
commanding  general  of  the  American  forces  wished  a  conference  with 
the  commanding  general  of  the  Mexican  forces,  it  would  readily  be 
acceded  to :  but  as  a  junior  to  the  commanding  general,  on  the  part 
of  the  American  troops,  had  requested  a  conference,  Gen.  Mejia  could 
not  entertain  such  a  proposition ;  but  that  an  officer  of  corresponding 
rank  and  position  in  the  Mexican  forces  would  be  ready  to  receive 
any  communication  sent  by  Gen.  Taylor. 

It  was  perceived  that  the  relation  of  the  parties  was  misapprehended, 
they  supposing  that  a  conference  was  requested.  This  v/as  corrected 
immediately,  and  it  was  reiterated  that  Gen.  Worth  was  merely  the 
bearer  of  despatches,  with  authority  to  relate  verbally  certain  matters 
of  interest  to  the  commanding  general  at  Matamoros. 

The  proposition  of  Gen.  Mejia  was  then  acceded  to,  with  the  re- 
mark, that  this  was  a  mere  question  of  form,  which  should  not  be 
permitted  to  interfere  with  any  arrangements  necessary  to  the  con- 
tinuance of  the  friendly  relations  now  existing  between  the  two  go- 
vernments. 

The  Mexican  party  recrossed  to  the  right  bank,  and  after  a  short 
absence  returned,  stating  that  Gen.  Romulo  Vega  would  receive  Gen. 
Worth  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river— their  own  selection — for  the 
reception  of  any  communication  which  Gen.  Worth  might  have  to 
make  from  the  commanding  general. 

*  We  are  indebted  to  Gen.  Worth  for  a  MS.  copy  of  this  interview. 


MISSION  OF  GEN.  WORTH.  19 


Gen.  Worth  then  crossed  the  river,  accompanied  by  Lieut.  Smith, 
aid-de-camp ;  Lieutenants  Magruder,  Deas,  and  Blake,  attached  to  his 
staff;  together  with  Lieut.  Knowlton,  as  interpreter.  On  arriving  at 
the  right  bank  of  the  river,  Gen.  Worth  was  received  by  Gen.  Vega 
with  becoming  courtesy  and  respect,  and  introduced  to  the  "  authori- 
ties of  Matamoros,"  represented  in  the  person  of  the  Licenciado  Ca- 
sares.  On  the  Mexican  part  were  present,  Gen.  Vega,  the  Licenciado 
Casares,  two  officers — represented  as  cavalry  officers — an  interpreter, 
with  a  person  named  Juan  N.  Garza,  Official  de  Defensores. 

After  the  usual  courtesies  on  meeting,  it  was  stated  by  Gen.  Worth, 
that  he  was  the  bearer  of  despatches  from  the  commanding  general 
of  the  American  forces  to  Gen.  Mejia  and  to  the  civil  authorities  of 
Matamoros.  A  written  and  unsealed  document  was  produced,  and 
Gen.  Vega  desiring  to  know  its  contents,  it  was  carefully  read  and 
translated  into  French  by  Lieut.  Knowlton,  and  afterwards  retrans- 
lated into  Spanish  by  the  Mexican  interpreter.  Gen.  Vega  then 
stated,  that  he  had  been  directed  to  receive  such  communications  as 
Gen.  Worth  might  present  from  his  commanding  general ;  going  on  to 
say,  that  the  march  of  the  U.  S.  troops  into  a  part  of  the  Mexican  ter- 
ritory, Tamaulipas,  was  considered  as  an  act  of  war. 

Gen.  Worth. — I  am  well  aware  that  some  of  the  Mexican  people 
consider  it  an  aggressive  act ;  but  [interrupted  by  the  Mexican  inter- 
preter, and  after  a  slight  discussion  of  the  international  question  on 
the  part  of  Gen.  Vega]  Gen.  Worth  repeated  the  above  remark,  add- 
ing, that  it  was  not  so  considered  by  his  government ;  that  the  army 
had  been  ordered  there  by  his  government,  and  there  it  would  remain ; 
whether  rightfully  or  otherwise,  that  was  a  question  to  be  settled  be- 
tween the  two  governments.  Gen.  Vega,  still  disposed  to  argue  the 
merits  of  the  case,  was  told  by  Gen.  Worth,  that  "  he  came  to  state 
facts,  not  to  argue  them." 

Gen.  Worth  then  stated  that  he  had  been  sent  with  despatches  from 
his  commanding  general  to  Gen.  Mejia ;  that  Gen.  Mejia  had  refused 
to  receive  it  from  him  personally,  adding,  with  emphasis  and  some 
degree  of  warmth,  "  I  now  state,  that  I  withdraw  this  despatch,  having 
read  it  merely  as  an  act  of  courtesy  to  Gen.  Vega ;  that,  in  addition  to 
the  written  despatch  to  Gen.  Mejia,  I  am  authorised  to  express  ver- 
bally the  sentiments  with  which  the  commanding  general  proposed  to 


20  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

carry  out  the  instructions  of  his  government,  in  which  lie  hoped  tc 
preserve  the  peaceable  relations  between  the  two  governments,  leaving 
all  questions  between  the  two  countries  to  be  settled  between  the  two 
governments ;  and  if  hereafter  Gen.  Mejia  wished  to  communicate  will 
Gen.  Taylor,  he  must  propose  the  means — assuring  Gen.  Vega  that 
should  Gen.  Mejia  present  himself,  or  send  his  communications  by  < 
subaltern  officer,  in  either  case  he  would  be  received  with  proper  cour- 
tesy and  respect." 

The  question  of  right  of  territory  was  again  opened  by  Gen.  Vega 
who  asked  how  the  United  States  government  would  view  the  mattei 
should  the  Mexican  troops  march  into  or  occupy  a  portion  of  the  ter- 
ritory of  the  United  States. 

Gen.  Worth  replied,  that  Gen.  Vega  might  probably  be  familiar  witr. 
the  old  proverb,  "  Sufficient  for  the  day  is  the  evil  thereof;"  and  thai 
"  it  would  be  time  enough  to  consider  such  matters  when  the  act  was 
perpetrated." 

This  proverb  did  not  appear  to  have  been  translated  by  the  Mexicar 
interpreter,  but  was  received  by  Gen.  Vega  with  a  smile  and  slight  shrug 

Gen.  Worth. — Is  the  American  consul  in  arrest  or  in  prison  ? 

Gen.  Vega. — No. 

Gen.  Worth. — Is  he  now  in  the  exercise  of  his  proper  functions  ? 

Gen.  Vega,  after  apparently  consulting  with  the  Licenciado  Casares 
for  a  moment,  replied  that  he  was. 

Gen.  Worth. — Then,  as  an  American  officer,  in  the  name  of  my 
government  and  my  commanding  general,  I  demand  an  interview  with 
the  consul  of  my  country. 

No  reply. 

Gen.  Worth. — Has  Mexico  declared  war  against  the  United  States : 

Gen.  Vega. — No. 

Gen.  Worth. — Are  the  two  countries  still  at  peace  ? 

Gen.  Vega. — Yes. 

Gen.  Worth. — Then,  I  again  demand  an  interview  with  the  consul 
of  my  government,  in  Matamoros — in  presence,  of  course,  of  these 
gentlemen,  or  any  other  that  the  commanding  general  in  Matamoros 
may  be  pleased  to  designate. 

Gen.  Vega  reiterated  that  he  was  in  the  proper  exercise  of  his 
functions ;  that  he  was  not  in  arrest,  nor  were  any  Americans  in  Mata- 


MISSION  OF  GEN.  WORTH.  21 


,moros  in  arrest ;  that  he  would  submit  the  demand  to  Gen.  Mejia, 
adding  that  he  thought  there  would  be  great  difficulty.  This  demand 
was  repeatedly  made,  in  the  most  emphatic  manner,  and  a  reply  re- 
quested, Gen.  Vega  stating  that  the  consul  continued  in  the  exercise 
of  his  functions,  and  that  the  demand  would  be  submitted  to  Gen. 
Mejia. 

Here  the  interview  was  suspended,  while  the  Licenciado  left  the 
party,  to  submit,  as  we  understood,  the  demand  for  an  interview  with 
the  consul  to  Gen.  Mejia.  While  engaged  in  friendly  intercourse, 
Gen.  Worth  stated  to  Gen.  Vega,  in  an  informal  manner,  as  an  evi- 
dence of  the  good  faith,  intentions,  and  dispositions  of  his  commanding 
general,  that  he  was  well  aware  of  the  importance  of  Brazos  Santiago 
to  the  commerce  and  business  community  of  Matamoros ;  that  he 
would  respect  their  laws  and  customs,  and  freely  grant  entrance  and 
exit  to  all  Mexican  and  other  vessels  trading  with  Matamoros  on  the 
same  terms  as  before  its  occupation  by  the  United  States,  leaving  all 
questions  arising  therefrom  to  be  settled  hereafter  by  the  two  govern- 
ments. 

At  the  expiration  of  about  a  quarter  of  an  hour  the  Licenciado  re- 
turned, and  reported  that  Gen.  Mejia  would  not  accede  to  the  request 
for  an  interview  on  the  part  of  Gen.  Worth,  saying  nothing,  however, 
relative  to  the  question  of  the  consul. 

Gen.  Vega  was  then  again  informed  that  the  despatches  intended  to 
be  delivered  to  Gen.  Mejia  by  Gen.  Worth  in  person  would  be  returned 
by  him  (Gen.  W.)  to  his  commanding  general,  considering  any  other 
disposition  of  them  as  disrespectful  to  him,  repeating  that  they  had 
been  read  to  Gen.  Vega  in  courtesy  to  him,  and  that  Gen.  Mejia  must 
take  his  own  means  of  communicating  with  Gen.  Taylor;  that 
whether  Gen".  Mejia  sent  a  superior  or  subaltern  officer  to  Gen.  Taylor, 
at  all  times  accessible,  he  would  be  received  with  becoming  courtesy 
and  hospitality,  presenting,  at  the  same  time,  a  written  and  sealed 
document  for  the  civil  authorities  of  Matamoros,  which  was  received 
by  Gen.  Vega,  and  immediately  transferred  to  the  Licenciado  Casares. 

Gen.  Vega. — Is  it  the  intention  of  Gen.  Taylor  to  remain  on  the 
left  bank  of  the  Rio  Grande  ? 

Gen.  Worth. — Most  assuredly;  and  there  to  remain  until  directed 
otherwise  by  his  government. 


OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

Gen.  Vega  remarked  that  «  we  "  felt  indignant  at  seeing  the  Ameri 
can  flag  placed  on  the  Rio  Grande,  a  portion  of  the  Mexican  territory 
Gen.  Worth  replied,  "  that  was  a  matter  of  taste ;  notwithstanding 
that,  there  it  would  remain."  The  army  had  been  ordered  to  occup; 
its  present  position  by  its  government ;  it  came  in  a  peaceful  rathe 
than  belligerent  attitude,  with  a  determination  to  respect  the  right 
and  customs  of  those  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Rio  Grande,  while  i 
offers  protection  to  all  on  the  left  bank  within  their  own  territory. 

No  reply  having  been  received  from  Gen.  Vega  relative  to  th 
demand  for  an  interview  with  the  American  consul,  the  question  wa 
again  introduced  by  Gen.  Worth,  and  the  demand  for  the  last  tim 
reiterated. 

Gen.  Vega  promptly  refused  to  accede  to  the  demand,  replying 
without  waiting  for  the  interpretation,  "  No,  no." 

Gen.  Worth. — I  have  now  to  state  that  the  refusal  of  my  demam 
to  see  the  American  consul  is  regarded  as  a  belligerent  act ;  and  ii 
conclusion  I  have  to  add,  that  the  commanding  general  of  the  Ameri 
can  forces  on  the  left  bank  of  the  river  will  regard  the  passage  of  anj 
armed  party  of  Mexicans,  in  hostile  array,  across  the  Rio  Grande,  a; 
an  act  of  war,  and  pursue  it  accordingly.* 

The  interview  here  terminated,  and  Gen.  Worth  and  staff  returnee 
to  the  left  bank  of  the  river/f 

After  the  above  interview,  the  army  under  Gen.  Taylor  quietly 
encamped  under  the  broad  folds  of  its  own  flag,  which  was  nevei 
removed,  (as  has  been  stated  by  some,)  after  it  was  planted  upon  th< 
east  side  of  the  Rio  Grande.  The  engineering  corps  immediately  se 
to  work  to  take  a  topographical  survey  of  the  country,  preparatory  tc 
the  erection  of  defences,  and  other  military  works. 

*  Gen.  Worth,  when  in  Washington,  furnished  the  editor  of  the  TJnior 
with  the  following,  which  was  intended  as  a  note  to  the  memoranda  of  the 
conversation  between  Generals  Worth  and  Vega: — "After  repeatedly  re 
marking  that  he  (Gen.  Vega)  considered  us  in  a  state  of  war,  Gen.  Wortf 
remarked  that  Gen.  Mejia  might,  by  a  very  simple  operation,  determine  wher 
and  where  the  war  should  begin,  but  it  would  be  for  the  United  States  tc 
gay  when  and  where  it  should  end." 

t  The  above  contains  the  substance  of  the  interview  between  General; 
Worth  and  Vega,  and,  as  far  as  possible,  the  exact  words  and  expressions  usec 
on  the  occasion.  Lieutenants  Knowlton  and  Magruder  of  the  First  Artillery 
Lieut.  Deas,  of  the  Fourth  Artillery,  Lieut.  Blake,  of  the  Topographical  En 
gineers,  and  Lieut.  Smith,  of  the  Eighth  Infanty,  were  present  at  the  interview 


MEXICAN  TRADERS.  83 

On  the  evening  of  the  second  day  of  our  occupation  of  the  east 
bank  of  the  Rio  Grande,  there  was  an  alarm  given  that  the  Mexicans 
were  crossing  by  thousands,  and  that  a  night  attack  might  be  expected. 
This  seemed  probable.  Our  army  had,  as  yet,  no  entrenchments,  and 
if  the  Mexicans  really  intended  to  attack,  now  was  the  favorable 
time.  The  watchword  was  given  out,  and  the  men  ordered  to  sleep 
on  their  arms.  Capt.  May,  with  his  squadron  of  dragoons,  was  or- 
dered to  march  in  double  quick  time  to  Point  Isabel,  to  reinforce  that 
garrison,  and  prepare  it  for  a  probable  attack.  The  Mexicans  had  lost 
their  best  opportunities  to  assail  our  forces.  They  failed  to  defend 
the  passage  of  the  Colorado,  and  to  assault  the  army  on  the  night  of 
its  arrival  at  the  Rio  Grande,  the  morning  of  the  30th  dawned,  and 
hostilities  had  not  yet  commenced.  Nothing  material  occurred  for 
several  succeeding  days.  Many  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  surround- 
ing country,  and  particularly  those  of  the  city  of  Matamoros,  visited 
our  encampment,  offering  for  sale  fresh  meats  and  vegetables. 
Among  these  traders,  it  was  said  (upon  what  appeared  to  be  good 
authority)  there  were  Mexican  officers  in  disguise,  which  was  no 
doubt  the  case,  as  subsequent  events  proved.*  The  residents  of  the 
city  and  its  troops  were  continually  showing  themselves  upon  the 
bank  of  the  river,  many  of  the  former  appearing  in  open  carriages. 
The  narrowness  of  the  Rio  Grande  gave  to  these  displays  quite  a 
social  character,  and,  in  a  measure,  made  our  troops  acquainted  with 
the  inhabitants  of  Matamoros.  Conversation  was  frequently  carried 
on  across  the  river,  and  most  amusing  protestations  of  friendship  were 
thus  sometimes  made. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  4th,  considerable  excitement  was  created 
by  the  firing  of  musketry  "  down  the  river."  The  first  impression 
was,  that  the  enemy  had  opened  on  our  camp ;  the  roll  was  beaten, 
the  regiments  were  quickly  formed,  and  the  brigade  nearest  the  river 
rushed  to  their  arms  with  a  yell  of  delight.  It  was  a  false  alarm,  as 
far  as  the  Mexicans  were  concerned.  The  firing  proceeded  from  a 
picket  guard,  and  was  directed  at  a  man  who  attempted  to  desert,  by 

*  Among  the  plunder  found  on  the  battle  field  of  the  9th,  was  a  drum,  on 
the  head  of  which  was  a  remarkably  accurate  drawing  of  Gen.  Taylor's 
encampment  in  the  rear  of  "  Fort  Brown,"  the  first  one  established  on  the 
Rio  Grande.  Every  tent  was  marked  down,  and  those  of  the  officers  dis- 
tinguished by  a  sign  from  those  of  the  privates. 


24  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE, 

swimming  over  to  the  Mexican  side  of  the  river.  The  poor  wretcl 
•was  mortally  wounded,  and  sunk  beneath  the  turbid  waters  of  th< 
Rio  Grande.  The  Mexicans,  who  crowded  the  opposite  side  of  th< 
river,  and  witnessed  this  prompt  execution  of  a  deserter,  fled,  fearing 
least  their  own  time  had  come.  Several  soldiers  were  drowned  in  tin 
attempt  to  cross  the  river,  and  one  of  the  deserters  reached  the  Mexi 
can  side  of  the  river ;  but  as  he  was  climbing  the  steep  bank,  a  sen 
tinel  fired  across  and  killed  him.  A  large  number  of  the  Mexicai 
citizens,  who  were  running  to  the  soldier's  assistance,  witnessed  thi: 
extraordinary  shot  of  over  two  hundred  yards,  and  it  had  a  great  effec 
upon  their  future  conduct  on  the  river  bank.  The  Mexicans  covere< 
the  dead  soldier  where  he  fell,  with  a  sheet,  and  soon  after  gave  hin 
the  rights  of  sepulture.  About  the  time  of  these  desertions,  severa 
officers  lost  their  servants.  They  had  been  enticed  away  by  the  in 
habitants  of  Matamoros,  and,  jfor  effect,  treated  with  marked  conside 
ration.  They  sat  at  table  with  Mexican  families,  and  were  otherwis 
elevated  to  a  high  social  position.  These  servants,  in  every  instance 
returned  by  stealth  to  their  masters,  save  one  or  two  who  had  bee] 
taken  into  "  the  interior." 

All  friendly  intercourse  was  now  cut  off  with  the  citizens  of  th 
town.  Not  a  single  sentiment  of  kindly  feeling  was  exhibited  by  th 
Mexicans,  and  all  of  Gen.  Taylor's  overtures  of  peace  were  treatei 
with  insolent  contempt.  All  Mexican  residents  and  stragglers  win 
visited  our  camp,  were  ordered  by  the  commander-in-chief  of  th 
Mexican  forces  to  immediately  cross  over,  and  remain  on  the  wes 
bank  of  the  river.  The  entrenchments,  began  upon  our  appearance 
were  now  pushed  rapidly  forward,  more  particularly  the  one  directl1 
opposite  the  American  camp.  Still,  the  "  signs"  were  not  considerei 
warlike ;  but  the  following  proclamation  that  Gen.  Ampudia,  who  wa 
now  advancing  toward  Matamoros,  managed  secretly,  by  the  aid  01 
spies,  to  distribute  among  our  troops,  did  much  to  develope  to  Gen 
Taylor  the  real  designs  of  the  enemy : — 

Tlie  Commander-in- Chief  of  the  Mexican  army,  to  the  English  am 
Irish  under  the  orders  of  the  American  General  Taylor : 

KNOW  YE  :  That  the  government  of  the  United  States  is  com 
mitting  repeated  acts  of  barbarous  aggression  against  the  magnani 


AMPUDIA'S  PROCLAMATION.  25 

mous  Mexican  nation;  that  the  government  which  exists  under  "the 
flag  of  the  stars,"  is  unworthy  of  the  designation  of  Christian.  Re- 
collect that  you  were  born  in  Great  Britain ;  that  the  American  govern- 
ment looks  with  coldness  upon  the  powerful  flag  of  St.  George,  and 
is  provoking  to  a  rupture  the  warlike  people  to  whom  it  belongs,  Pre- 
sident Polk  boldly  manifesting  a  desire  to  take  possession  of  Oregon, 
as  he  has  already  done  of  Texas.  Now,  then,  come  with  all  confi- 
dence to  the  Mexican  ranks  ;  and  I  guarantee  to  you,  upon  my  honor, 
good  treatment,  and  that  all  your  expenses  shall  be  defrayed  until 
your  arrival  in  the  beautiful  capital  of  Mexico. 

Germans,  French,  Poles,  and  individuals  of  other  nations  !  Separate 
yourselves  from  the  Yankees,  and  do  not  contribute  to  defend  a  rob- 
bery and  usurpation  which,  be  assured,  the  civilized  nations  of  Europe 
look  upon  with  the  utmost  indignation.  Come,  therefore,  and  array 
yourselves  under  the  tri-colored  flag,  in  the  confidence  that  the  God  of 
armies  protects  it,  and  that  it  will  protect  you  equally  with  the  English. 

PEDRO  DE  AMPUDIA. 

FRANCISCO  R.  MOREXO, 

Jldjt.  of  the  Commander-in- Chief. 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  UPOX  THE  ROAD  TO  MATAMOROS, 

April  2,  1846. 

Farther  than  exhibiting  to  our  army  the  covert  designs  of  the  enemy, 
the  above  proclamation,  so  ingeniously  worded  to  attack  the  preju- 
dices of  our  naturalized  citizens,  produced  no  effect.  It  was,  like  its 
author,  treated  with  contempt  and  scorn. 


OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


CHAPTER   III. 

Fort  Brown  commenced — Col.  Cross  disappears — Gen.  Ampudia  arrives  in 
Matamoros — A  parley — Gen.  Ampudia's  letter — Gen.  Taylor's  answer — 
Lieut.  Porter — Blockade  of  the  Rio  Grande — Reasons  for  so  doing — Hostile 
appearances — Gen.  Arista's  advice  to  the  soldiers  of  the  United  States — 
Discovery  of  the  murdered  body  of  Col.  Cross. 

ON  the  5th  of  April,  a  small  work,  intended  for  the  reception  of  the 
eighteen  pounders  daily  expected  from  Point  Isabel,  was  thrown  up 
opposite  our  camp.  This  work  was  so  planned  that  the  guns,  when 
in  position,  would  command  the  town.  In  the  mean  time,  the  troops 
were  actively  engaged  in  the  construction  of  the  since  celebrated  field 
work,  known  as  Fort  Brown.  This  extraordinary  military  defence 
was  constructed  under  the  direction  of  Capt.  Mansfield,  of  the  U.  S. 
Engineering  Corps ;  and  a  regiment  was  detailed  each  day,  for  that 
purpose.  Fort  Brown  is  of  immense  size,  having  six  bastion  fronts, 
and  being  capable  of  holding  four  or  five  regiments  of  soldiers. 

The  reports  from  Matamoros  were,  that  fresh  troops  were  conti- 
nually arriving  from  Tampico,  Monterey,  and  the  interior.  The  Mexi- 
cans evidently  labored  to  keep  up  this  impression.  Every  evening 
could  be  heard  the  music  of  the  "  grand  parade ;"  and  from  morning 
until  night,  was  a  continual  beating  of  drums,  and  the  sounding  of 
bugles,  until  it  seemed,  at  times,  as  if  there  were  whole  regiments  of 
musicians  marching  upon  the  bank  opposite  the  fort. 

On  the  10th,  Col.  Cross,*  deputy  quarter  master  general,  mounted 
his  horse,  and  proceeded  to  take  his  usual  ride  for  air  and  exercise. 
Night  passed  away  without  his  return,  and  his  unaccountable  absence 
began  to  excite  alarm.  The  country  was  known  to  be  full  of  "  irre- 
gular cavalry,"  whose  business  it  was  to  murder,  plunder,  and  steal. 
As  Col.  Cross'  absence  continued,  his  probable  fate  spread  a  gloom 
over  the  whole  army.  Gen.  Taylor  wrote  twice  to  the  commanding 

*  Col.  Trueman  Cross,  assistant  quarter  master  general  of  the  Army  of  Occu- 
pation, was  appointed  to  the  army  from  Maryland,  as  ensign  of  Forty-second 
Infantry,  the  27th  of  April,  1814. — Army  Register. 


AMPUDIA.  ARRIVES  IN  MATAMOROS.  27 

Mexican  general,  making  inquiries  whether  Col.  Cross  was  detained  as 
a  prisoner  in  Matamoros,  (a  belief  fondly  indulged  in  by  his  friends.) 
Nothing  was  heard,  however,  that  gave  the  least  clue  to  the  mystery 
that  hung  about  his  disappearance. 

On  the  11  tli,  the  cathedral  bells  of  Matamoros  rang  out  a  joyous 
peal,  the  music  excelled  all  former  efforts,  the  troops  appeared  in 
extra  splendor,  and  a  salute  of  cannon  Avas  fired.  The  long-expected 
Gen.  Ampudia  had  arrived.  This  was  grateful  intelligence  to  our 
troops,  as  it  had  been  understood,  that  when  Gen.  Ampudia  arrived, 
our  relations  with  Mexico  would  assume  a  definite  form,  and  that 
peace,  or  war,  would  immediately  be  proclaimed. 

On  the  12th,  a  parley  was  sounded  on  the  Mexican  side  of  the 
river,  and  t\vo  Mexican  officers  crossed,. and  were  escorted  to  Gen. 
Taylor's  tent.  These  officers  bore  the  following  communication  from 
Gen.  Ampudia  to  Gen.  Taylor  : 

FOURTH  MILITAIIY  DIVISION,") 
General-in-Chief.  § 

To  explain  to  you  the  many  grounds  for  the  just  grievances  felt  by 
the  Mexican  nation,  caused  by  the  United  States  government,  would 
be  a  loss  of  time,  and  an  insult  to  your  good  sense ;  I  therefore  pass 
at  once  to  such  explanations  as  I  consider  of  absolute  necessity. 

Your  government,  in  an  incredible  manner — you  will  even  permit 
me  to  say  an  extravagant  one,  if  the  usage  or  general  rules  established 
and  received  among  all  civilized  nations  are  regarded — has  not  only 
insulted,  but  has  exasperated  the  Mexican  nation,  bearing  its  conquer- 
ing banner  to  the  left  bank  of  the  Rio  Bravo  del  Norte ;  and  in  this 
case,  by  explicit  and  definitive  orders  of  my  government,  which  neither 
can,  will,  nor  should  receive  new  outrages,  1  require  you  in  all  form, 
and  at  latest  in  the  peremptory  term  of  twenty-four  hours,  to  break 
up  your  camp  and  retire  to  the  other  bank  of  the  Nueces  river,  while 
our  governments  are  regulating  the  pending  question  in  relation  to 
Texas.  If  you  insist  in  remaining  upon  the  soil  of  the  department  of 
Tamaulipas,  it  will  clearly  result  that  arms,  and  arms  alone,  must  de- 
cide the  question;  and  in  that  case  I  advise  you  that  we  accept  the 
war  to  which,  with  so  much  injustice  on  your  part,  you  provoke  us, 
and  that,  on  our  part,  this  war  shall  be  conducted  conformably  to  the 


28  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

principles  established  by  the  most  civilized  nations ;  that  is  to  say, 
that  the  law  of  nations  and  of  war  shall  be  the  guide  of  my  opera- 
tions ;  trusting  that  on  your  part  the  same  will  be  observed. 

With  this  view,  I  tender  you  the  considerations  due  to  your  person 
and  respectable  office. 

God  and  Liberty ! 

HEAD  QUARTERS  AT  MATAMOROS,  2  o'clock  P.  M.,  April  12, 1846. 

PEDRO  DE  AMPUDIA. 

Sr.  General-in-Chief  of  the  U.  S.  Army,  Don  Z.  TAYLOR. 

To  this  communication,  Gen.  Taylor  promptly  replied  as  follows  : 

"HEAD  QUARTEHS  AHMY  OF  OCCUPATION", 

"  Camp  near  Matamoros,  Texas,  Jlpril  12,  1846. 

"  SENOR  :  I  have  had  the  honor  to  receive  your  note  of  this  date, 
in  which  you  summon  me  to  withdraw  the  forces  under  my  command 
from  their  present  position,  and  beyond  the  river  Nueces,  until  the 
pending  question  between  our  governments,  relative  to  the  limits  of 
Texas,  shall  be  settled. 

"  I  need  hardly  advise  you  that,  charged  as  1  am,  in  only  a  military 
capacity,  with  the  performance  of  specific  duties,  I  cannot  enter  into 
a  discussion  of  the  international  question  involved  in  the  advance  of 
the  American  army.  You  will,  however,  permit  me  to  say  that  the 
government  of  the  United  States  has  constantly  sought  a  settlement, 
by  negotiation,  of  the  question  of  boundary;  that  an  envoy  was 
despatched  to  Mexico  for  that  purpose,  and  that  up  to  the  most  recent 
dates  said  envoy  had  not  been  received  by  the  actual  Mexican  govern- 
ment, if  indeed  he  has  not  received  his  passports  and  left  the  republic. 
In  the  mean  time,  I  have  been  ordered  to  occupy  the  country  up  to 
the  left  bank  of  the  Rio  Grande,  until  the  boundary  shall  be  defini- 
tively settled.  In  carrying  out  these  instructions,  I  have  carefully 
abstained  from  all  acts  of  hostility,  obeying,  in  this  regard,  not  only 
the  letter  of  my  instructions,  but  the  plain  dictates  of  justice  and 
humanity. 

"  The  instructions  under  which  I  am  acting  will  not  permit  me  to 
retrograde  from  the  position  I  now  occupy.  In  view  of  the  relations 
between  our  respective  governments,  and  the  individual  suffering  which 
may  result,  I  regret  the  alternative  which  you  offer ;  but,  at  the  same 


LIEUT.  PORTER.  29 

time,  wish  it  understood  that  I  shall  by  no  means  avoid  such  alterna- 
tive, leaving  the  responsibility  with  those  who  rashly  commence  hos- 
tilities. In  conclusion,  you  will  permit  me  to  give  the  assurance  that 
on  my  part  the  lawrs  and  customs  of  war  among  civilized  nations  shall 
be  carefully  observed. 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectively,  your  obedient  servant. 

"  Sr.  Gen.  D.  PEDRO  DE  AMPUDIA." 

Orders  were  immediately  issued,  the  execution  of  which  prepared 
the  army  for  an  attack.  The  time,  so  momentous,  was  passing  away, 
and  the  belief  prevailed  with  many,  that  when  the  twenty-four  hours 
had  elapsed,  hostilities  would  ensue. 

On  the  morning  of  the  13th,  a  brigade  with  Capt.  Duncan's  and 
Lieut.  Bragg's  companies  of  artillery,  were  ordered  to  occupy  the 
"  field  work."  The  remainder  of  the  army  exposed  to  the  enemy's 
fire  was  removed,  and  a  camp  established,  supposed  to  be  capable  of 
holding  out  against  the  attack  of  a  force  four  or  five  times  as  large  as 
that  which  occupied  it. 

The  twenty-four  hours  elapsed,  but  nothing  hostile  transpired  on 
the  part  of  the  Mexicans  as  a  consequence.  Rumors  now  reached  us 
from  across  the  river,  that  Gen.  Ampudia  wished  to  attack  our  camp, 
but  was  not  sustained  by  his  officers,  and  the  citizens  of  the  town. 
The  construction  of  Fort  Brown  \vas  now  being  efficiently  carried  on, 
and  the  arrival  of  Gen.  Arista  was  next  expected  with  great  interest, 
from  the  fact  that  he  \vas  represented  as  an  officer  that  had  the  entire 
confidence  of  his  government  and  a  man  of  integrity,  who  was  well 
calculated  to  bring  the  singular  state  of  things  existing  between  the 
two  armies  to  a  peaceful  termination  or  a  state  of  actual  war. 

On  the  17th,  Lieut.  T.  H.  Porter,  and  Lieut.  Dobbins  of  the  Fourth 
Infantry,  started  from  camp,  with  ten  men,  for  the  avowed  purpose  of 
discovering,  if  possible,  the  murderers  of  Col.  Cross.  This  step  was 
induced  by  a  rumor  that  the  notorious  Romano- Falcon,  commander 
of  rancheros  or  irregular  cavalry,  was  prowling  in  the  vicinity.  About 
2  o'clock  in  the  evening  of  the  second  day  out,  Lieut.  Porter  met  a 
party  of  armed  Mexicans,  wrho  numbered,  as  he  supposed,  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  at  least,  and  who  were  engaged  in  jerking  beef.  Upon 
his  approach  one  of  the  Mexicans  snapped  a  musket  at  him,  which 


30  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

Lieut.  Porter  answered  by  firing  a  "  double  barrel."  The  Mexican 
then  ran,  and  Lieut.  Porter  took  possession  of  the  camp,  containing 
ten  horses  and  a  number  of  blankets.  He  then  immediately  mounted 
his  men  and  started  for  head  quarters.  It  now  commenced  raining 
violently,  pouring  down  as  it  only  does  in  tropical  climates.  After 
progressing  for  a  short  time,  and  while  passing  through  a  clump  of 
chaparral,  Lieut.  Porter  was  fired  upon,  when  he  instantly  ordered  his 
men  to  dismount.  The  enemy  continued  to  pour  in  a  galling  fire,  the 
arms  of  our  soldiers  being  almost  useless  from  the  rain.  One  of 
Lieut.  Porter's  men  was  shot  down,  when  that  officer  himself  received 
a  wound  in  the  thigh,  and  fell,  exclaiming,  u  Fight  on,  lays  !  Take 
care  of  yourselves.''''  The  men  then  retreated  into  the  chaparral,  and 
became  separated  into  three  parties ;  but  all  finally  found  their  way 
into  camp.  One  soldier  who  concealed  himself  until  dark,  said  that 
he  saw  all  the  enemy's  proceedings.  He  stated,  that  during  the  fight 
the  Mexicans  yelled  like  Indians,  and  that  as  soon  as  Lieut.  Porter's 
men  retreated  into  the  chaparral  the  Mexicans  rushed  upon  that  of- 
ficer and  the  wounded  soldier,  plunging  their  knives  into  their  breasts. 
Thus  fell  a  meritorious  soldier,  and  the  gallant  Lieut.  Porter.* 

On  the  19th  day  of  April  Gen.  Taylor  received  information  that 
two  vessels  from  New  Orleans  were  off  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande, 
with  provisions  and  other  supplies  for  the  Mexican  army  at  Matamo- 
ros,  whereupon  he  immediately  established  a  blockade,  by  ordering 
the  U.  S.  brig  Lawrence,  with  the  revenue  cutter  St.  Anna,  to  cut  off 
all  communication  by  water  with  that  place.  As  soon  as  news  of  this 
reached  Matainoros,  Gen.  Ampudia  wrote  to  Gen.  Taylor  relative  to 
the  subject.  The  correspondence  is  singularly  interesting,  particu- 
larly Gen.  Taylor's  letter,  portions  of  which  are  peculiarly  fine :  the 
whole  is  dignifiedly  forbearing.  Gen.  Ampudia  writes  as  follows  : 

Division-  or  THE  NOIITH,") 

Second  General-in-Chief. ) 

FROM  various  sources  worthy  of  confidence,  I  have  learned  that 
some  vessels  bound  for  the  mouth  of  the  river,  have  not  been  able  to 
effect  an  entrance  into  that  port,  in  consequence  of  your  orders  that 

*  Lieut.  Theodoric  H.  Porter  was  appointed  to  the  army  October  5th,  1838, 
from  the  state  of  Pennsylvania. 


LETTER  OF  GEN.  AMPUDIA  TO  GEN.  TAYLOR.  31 

they  should  be  conducted  to  Brazos  Santiago.  The  cargo  of  one  of 
them  is  composed  in  great  part,  and  of  the  other  entirely,  of  provi- 
sions, which  the  contractors  charged  with  providing  for  the  army  un- 
der my  orders  had  procured  to  fulfil  the  obligations  of  their  contracts. 
You  have  taken  possession  of  these  provisions  by  force,  and  against 
the  will  of  the  proprietors,  one  of  whom  is  vice  consul  of  her  Catho- 
lic Majesty,  and  the  other  of  her  Britannic  Majesty ;  and  whose  rights, 
in  place  of  being  religiously  respected  as  was  proffered,  and  as  was  to 
be  hoped  from  the  observance  of  the  principles  which  govern  among 
civilized  nations,  have,  on  the  contrary,  been  violated  in  the  most  ex- 
traordinary manner,  opposed  to  the  guarantee  and  respect  due  to  pri- 
vate property. 

Nothing  can  have  authorized  you  in  such  a  course.  The  commerce 
of  nations  is  not  suspended  or  interrupted  except  in  consequence  of  a 
solemn  declaration  of  blockade,  communicated  and  established  in  the 
form  prescribed  by  international  law.  Nevertheless,  you  have  in- 
fringed these  rules ;  and,  by  an  act  which  can  never  be  viewed  favor- 
ably to  the  United  States  government,  have  hindered  the  entrance  to  a 
Mexican  port,  of  vessels  bound  to  it,  under  the  confidence  that  com- 
merce would  not  be  interrupted.  My  duties  do  not  allow  me  to  con- 
sent to  this  new  species  of  hostility,  and  they  constrain  me  to  require 
of  you,  not  only  that  the  vessels  taken  by  force  to  Brazos  Santiago 
shall  be  at  liberty  to  return  to  the  mouth  of  the  river,  but  the  restora- 
tion of  all  the  provisions  which,  besides  belonging  to  private  contrac- 
tors, were  destined  for  the  troops  on  this  frontier.  I  consider  it  use- 
less to  inculcate  the  justice  of  this  demand,  and  the  results  which  may 
follow  an  unlooked-for  refusal. 

I  have  also  understood  that  two  Mexicans,  carried  down  in  a  boat 
by  the  current  of  the  river  near  one  of  the  advanced  posts  of  your 
camp,  were  detained,  after  being  fired  upon,  and  that  they  are  still 
kept  and  treated  as  prisoners.  The  individuals  in  question  do  not  be- 
long to  the  army,  and  this  circumstance  exempts  them  from  the  laws 
of  war.  I  therefore  hope  that  you  will  place  them  absolutely  at  liberty, 
as  I  cannot  be  persuaded  that  you  pretend  to  extend  to  persons  not 
military  the  consequences  of  an  invasion,  which,  without  employing 
this  means  of  rigor  against  unarmed  citizens,  is  marked  in  itself  with 
the  seal  of  universal  reprobation. 


32  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

I  avail  myself  of  this  opportunity  to  assure  you  of  my  distinguished 
consideration. 

God  and  liberty! — Matamoros,  April  22,  1846. 

PEDRO  DE  AMPUDIA. 
Sr.  Gen.  Don  Z.  TAYLOR. 

HEAD  QUARTERS  AR.MT  OF  OCCUPATION, 

Camp  near  Matamoros,  Texas,  April  22,  1846. 

SIR  : — I  have  had  the  honor  to  receive  your  communication  of  this 
date,  in  which  you  complain  of  certain  measures  adopted  by  my  order 
to  close  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Bravo  against  vessels  bound  to  Mata- 
moros,  and  in  which  you  also  advert  to  the  case  of  two  Mexicans 
supposed  to  be  detained  as  prisoners  in  this  camp. 

After  all  that  has  passed  since  the  American  army  first  approached 
the  Rio  Bravo,  I  am  certainly  surprised  that  you  should  complain  of  a 
measure  which  is  no  other  than  a  natural  result  of  the  state  of  war  so 
much  insisted  upon  by  the  Mexican  authorities  as  actually  existing  at 
this  time.  You  will  excuse  me  for  recalling  a  few  circumstances  to 
show  that  this  state  of  war  has  not  been  sought  by  the  American 
army,  but  has  been  forced  upon  it,  and  that  the  exercise  of  the  rights 
incident  to  such  a  state  cannot  be  made  a  subject  of  complaint. 

On  breaking  up  my  camp  at  Corpus  Christi,  and  moving  forward 
with  the  army  under  my  orders  to  occupy  the  left  bank  of  the  Rio 
Bravo,  it  was  my  earnest  desire  to  execute  my  instructions  in  a  pacific 
manner ;  to  observe  the  utmost  regard  for  the  personal  rights  of  all 
citizens  residing  on  the  left  bank  of  the  river,  and  to  take  care  that  the 
religion  and  customs  of  the  people  should  suffer  no  violation.  With 
this  view,  and  to  quiet  the  minds  of  the  inhabitants,  I  issued  orders  to 
the  army,  enjoining  a  strict  observance  of  the  rights  and  interests  of 
all  Mexicans  residing  on  the  river,  and  caused  said  orders  to  be  trans- 
lated into  Spanish,  and  circulated  in  the  several  towns  on  the  Bravo. 
These  orders  announced  the  spirit  in  which  we  proposed  to  occupy 
the  country,  and  I  am  proud  to  say  that  up  to  this  moment  the  same 
spirit  has  controlled  the  operations  of  the  army.  On  reaching  the 
Arroyo  Colorado  I  was  informed  by  a  Mexican  officer  that  the  order 
in  question  had  been  received  in  Matamoros ;  but  was  told  at  the  same 
time  that  if  I  attempted  to  cross  the  river  it  would  be  regarded  as  a 


LETTER  FROM  GEN.  TAYLOR  TO  GEN.  AMPUDIA.          33 


declaration  of  Avar.  Again,  on  my  march  to  Frontone  I  was  met  by  a 
deputation  of  the  civil  authorities  of  Matamoros,  protesting  against  my 
occupation  of  a  portion  of  the  department  of  Tamaulipas,  and  declaring 
that  if  the  army  was  not  at  once  withdrawn,  war  would  result.  While 
this  communication  was  in  my  hands,  it  was  discovered  that  the  vil- 
lage of  Frontone  had  been  set  on  fire  and  abandoned.  I  viewed  this 
as  a  direct  act  of  w^ar,  and  informed  the  deputation  that  their  commu- 
nication would  be  answered  by  me  when  opposite  Matamoras,  which 
was  done  in  respectful  terms.  On  reaching  the  river  I  despatched  an 
officer,  high  in  rank,  to  convey  to  the  commanding  general  in  Mata- 
nioros  the  expression  of  my  desire  for  amicable  relations,  and  my  wil- 
lingness to  leave  open  to  the  use  of  the  citizens  of  Matamoros  the  port 
of  Brazos  Santiago  until  the  question  of  boundary  should  be  defini- 
tively settled.  This  officer  received  for  reply,  from  the  officer  selected 
to  confer  with  him,  that  my  advance  to  the  Rio  Bravo  was  considered 
as  a  veritable  act  of  war,  and  he  was  absolutely  refused  an  interview 
with  the  American  consul,  in  itself  an  act  incompatible  with  a  state 
of  peace. 

r  Notwithstanding  these  repeated  assurances  on  the  part  of  the  Mexi- 
can authorities,  and  notwithstanding  the  most  obviously  hostile  pre- 
parations on  the  right  bank  of  the  river,  accompanied  by  a  rigid 
non-intercourse,  I  carefully  abstained  from  any  act  of  hostility — de- 
termined that  the  onus  of  producing  an  actual  state  of  hostilities  should 
not  rest  with  me.  Our  relations  remained  in  this  state  until  I  had  the 
honor  to  receive  your  note  of  the  12th  instant,  in  which  you  de- 
nounce war  as  the  alternative  of  my  remaining  in  this  position.  As 
I  could  not,  under  my  instructions,  recede  from  my  position,  I  ac- 
cepted the  alternative  you  offered,  and  made  all  my  dispositions  to 
meet  it  suitably.  But,  still  willing  to  adopt  milder  measures  before 
proceeding  to  others,  I  contented  myself  in  the  first  instance  with 
ordering  a  blockade  of  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Bravo  by  the  naval  forces 
under  my  orders — a  proceeding  perfectly  consonant  with  the  state  of 
\var  so  often  declared  to  exist,  and  which  you  acknowledge  in  your 
note  of  the  16th  instant,  relative  to  the  late  Col.  Cross.  If  this 
measure  seem  oppressive,  I  wish  it  borne  in  mind  that  it  has  been 
forced  upon  me  by  the  course  you  have  seen  fit  to  adopt.  I  have  re- 
ported this  blockade  to  my  government,  and  shall  not  remove  it  until 

3 


34  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

I  receive  instructions  to  that  effect,  unless  indeed  you  desire  an  armis- 
tice pending  the  final  settlement  of  the  question  between  the  govern- 
ments, or  until  war  shall-  be  formally  declared  by  either,  in  which  case 
I  shall  cheerfully  open  the  river.  In  regard  to  the  consequences  you 
mention  as  resulting  from  a  refusal  to  remove  the  blockade,  I  beg  you 
to  understand  that  I  am  prepared  for  them,  be  they  what  they  may. 

In  regard  to  the  particular  vessels  referred  to  in  your  communica- 
tion, I  have  the  honor  to  advise  you  that,  in  pursuance  of  my  orders, 
two  American  schooners,  bound  for  Matamoros,  were  warned  off  on 
the  17th  instant,  when  near  the  mouth  of  the  river,  and  put  to  sea, 
returning  probably  to  New  Orleans.  They  were  not  seized,  or  their 
cargoes  disturbed  in  any  way,  nor  have  they  been  in  the  harbor  of 
Brazos  Santiago  to  my  knowledge.  A  Mexican  schooner,  understood 
to  be  the  "  Juanita,"  was  in  or  off  that  harbor  when  my  instructions 
to  block  the  river  were  issued,  but  was  driven  to  sea  in  a  gale,  since 
which  time  1  have  had  no  report  concerning  her.  Since  the  receipt 
of  your  communication,  I  have  learned  that  two  persons,  sent  to  the 
mouth  of  the  river  to  procure  information  respecting  this  vessel,  pro- 
ceeded thence  to  Brazos  Santiago,  when  they  were  taken  up  and 
detained  by  the  officer  in  command,  until  my  orders  could  be  received. 
I  shall  order  their  immediate  release.  A  letter  from  one  of  them  to 
the  Spanish  vice-consul  is  respectfully  transmitted  herewith. 

In  relation  to  the  Mexicans  said  to  have  drifted  down  the  river  in 
a  boat,  and  to  be  prisoners  at  this  time  in  my  camp,  I  have  the  plea- 
sure to  inform  you  that  no  such  persons  have  been  taken  prisoners, 
or  are  now  detained  by  my  authority.  The  boat  in  question  was 
carried  down  empty  by  the  current  of  the  river,  and  drifted  ashore 
near  one  of  our  pickets,  and  was  secured  by  the  guard.  Some  time 
afterwards  an  attempt  was  made  to  recover  the  boat  under  cover  of 
the  darkness ;  the  individuals  concerned  were  hailed  by  the  guard, 
and,  failing  to  answer,  were  fired  upon  as  a  matter  of  course.  What 
became  of  them  is  not  known,  as  no  trace  of  them  could  be  discovered 
on  the  following  morning.  The  officer  of  the  Mexican  guard  directly 
opposite  was  informed  the  next  day  that  the  boat  would  be  returned 
on  proper  application  to  me,  and  I  have  now  only  to  repeat  that 
assurance. 

In  conclusion  I  take  leave  to  slate  that  I  consider  the  tone  of  your 


ARISTA'S  ADDRESS  TO  OUR  ARMY.  35 

communication  highly  exceptionable,  where  you  stigmatise  the  move- 
ment of  the  army  under  my  orders-  as  "  marked  with  the  seal  of 
universal  reprobation."  You  must  be  aware  that  such  language  is 
not  respectful  in  itself,  either  to  me  or  to  my  government ;  and  while 
I  observe  in  my  own  correspondence  the  courtesy  due  to  your  high 
position,  and  to  the  magnitude  of  the  interests  with  which  we  are 
respectively  charged,  I  shall  expect  the  same  in  return. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant,     -»• 

Z.  TAYLOR, 

Brevet  Brig.  Gen.  U.  S.  «#.,  Commanding. 
Sr.  Gen.  D.  PEDRO  DE  AMPUDIA, 

Commanding  in  Matamoros. 

The  important  events  now  thickening  about  the  "  Army  of  Occupa- 
tion," gave  evidence  that  the  Mexicans  were  awaiting  their  own  time  to 
make  a  demonstration.  Gen.  Taylor  in  the  meanwhile  was  placed  in 
a  peculiar  position.  His  orders  from  his  own  government,  being  pe- 
remptory, that  he  should  act  only  on  the  defensive ;  he  was  therefore 
compelled  to  remain  quiet,  while  the  enemy,  knowing  his  exact 
strength  and  resources,  could  make  such  preparations,  and  bring  such 
force  as  they  thought  proper,  and  at  any  time  deemed  most  favorable 
by  them  for  commencing  the  war. 

On  the  21st  Gen.  Arista  insidiously  issued  an  address  to  the  sol- 
diers of  our  army,  which  was  even  more  cunningly  worded  than  that 
of  Gen.  Ampudia's  ;  it  was  as  follows.  The  original  draft  was  found 
on  the  "  9th  May"  among  Arista's  baggage. 

General  Arises  advice  to  tlie  soldiers  of  the  United  States  Army. 
HEAD  QUARTERS  AT  MATAMOROS,  April  20,  1846. 

SOLDIERS  ! — You  have  enlisted  in  time  of  peace  to  serve  in  that 
army  for  a  specific  term ;  but  your  obligation  never  implied  that  you 
were  bound  to  violate  the  laws  of  God,  and  the  most  sacred  rights  of 
friends !  The  United  States  government,  contrary  to  the  wishes  of  a 
majority  of  all  honest  and  honorable  Americans,  has  ordered  you  to 
take  forcible  possession  of  the  territory  of  a  friendly  neighbor,  who 
has  never  given  her  consent  to  such  occupation.  In  other  words, 
while  the  treaty  of  peace  and  commerce  between  Mexico  and  the 


36  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

United  States  is  in  full  force,  the  United  States,  presuming  on  her 
strength  and  prosperity,  and  on  our  supposed  imbecility  and  cowardice, 
attempts  to  make  you  the  blind  instruments  of  her  unholy  and  madj 
ambition,  and  force  you  to  appear  as  the  hateful  robbers  of  our  dear] 
homes,  and  the  unprovoked  violators  of  our  dearest  feelings  as  men] 
and  patriots.  Such  villany  and  outrage,  I  know,  is  perfectly  repug-1 
nant  to  the  noble  sentiments  of  any  gentleman,  and  it  is  base  and  foul 
to  rush  you  on  to  certain  death,  in  order  to  aggrandise  a  few  lawless 

individuals,  in  defiance  of  the  laws  of  God  and  man! 

• 

It  is  to  no  purpose  if  they  tell  you,  that  the  law  for  the  annexation  • 
of  Texas  justifies  your  occupation  of  the  Rio  Bravo  del  Norte;  forj 
by  this  act  they  rob  us  of  a  great  part  of  Tamaulipas,  Coahuila, 
Chihuahua,  and  New  Mexico ;  and  it  is  barbarous  to  send  a  handful  \ 
of  men  on  such  an  errand  against  a  powerful  and  warlike  national 
Besides,  the  most  of  you  are  Europeans,  and  we  are  the  declared] 
friends  of  a  majority  of  the  nations  of  Europe.     The  North  Ameri- 
cans are  ambitious,  overbearing,  and  insolent  as  a  nation,  and  they 
will  only  make  use  of  you  as  vile  tools  to  carry  out  their  abominable 
plans  of  pillage  and  rapine. 

I  warn  you  in  the  name  of  justice,  honor,  and  your  own  interests 
and  self-respect,  to  abandon  their  desperate  and  unholy  cause,  and 
become  peaceful  Mexican  citizens.  I  guarantee  you,  in  such  case,  a; 
half  section  of  land,  or  three  hundred  and  twenty  acres,  to  settle 
upon,  gratis.  Be  wise,  then,  and  just,  and  honorable,  and  take  no 
part  in  murdering  us  who  have  no  unkind  feelings  for  you.  Lands 
shall  be  given  to  officers,  sergeants,  and  corporals,  according  to  rank, 
privates  receiving  three  hundred  and  twenty  acres,  as  stated. 

If  in  time  of  action  you  wish  to  espouse  our  cause,  throw  away 
your  arms  and  run  to  us,  and  we  will  embrace  you  as  true  friends  and 
Christians.  It  is  not  decent  nor  prudent  to  say  more.  But  should  any 
of  you  render  important  service  to  Mexico,  you  shall  be  accordingly 
considered  and  preferred. 

M.  ARISTA, 
Commander-in- Chief  of  the  Mexican  Army. 

On  the  same  day  a  Mexican  came  into  camp,  and  reported  that  he 
Knew  where  lay  the  body  of  an  American  officer.  A  command  was 


MURDER  OF  COL.  CROSS.  37 


immediately  despatched  to  accompany  him,  who  found,  in  a  lonely 
place,  the  skeleton  of  a  murdered  man.  This  was  identified  as  the 
mortal  remains  of  Col.  Cross,  more  particularly  by  portions  of  his 
uniform,  found  near  by.  No  certain  information  could  be  obtained 
as  to  the  manner  of  his  death,  or  who  were  his  murderers.  The  story 
told  by  a  Mexican  seemed  to  be  most  credited,  because  it  was  proba- 
ble, and  characteristic  of  his  foes.  This  Mexican  stated  that  Col. 
Cross  was  captured  by  Romano  Falcon's  band  of  lawless,  yet  autho- 
rised soldiers  of  the  Mexican  army — that  after  being  taken  he  was 
robbed  of  his  clothing,  and  the  valuables  about  him, — a  consultation 
was  then  held  as  to  his  disposition.  The  majority  of  Romano  Fal- 
con's band,  villains  and  robbers  though  they  were,  decided  upon 
taking  him  as  a  prisoner  to  Matamoros ;  but  Falcon,  enraged  at  this 
proposition,  so  different  from  what  he  had  anticipated,  dastardly  killed 
him  by  a  blow  from  his  pistol. 

On  the  23d  a  board  of  officers  sat,  to  examine  into  the  cause  of  the 
death  of  the  lamented  Col.  Cross.  The  board  reported,  that  after  a 
careful  investigation  of  all  the  evidence  before  them,  they  were  satis- 
fied that  he  came  to  his  death  by  violent  hands, — that  he  was  sur- 
rounded by  a  party  of  Mexicans  and  MURDERED.  Gen.  Taylor  then 
issued  orders  for  the  interment  of  Col.  Cross  with  full  military  honors. 


38  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


CHAPTER   IV. 

The  Mexicans  commence  crossing  the  Rio  Grande — Col.  Cross's  funeral — 
Prospect  of  hostilities  thicken — Arrival  of  Gen.  Arista  in  Matamoros — 
His  letter  to  Gen.  Taylor — Captain  Thornton's  command  captured — Parti- 
culars of  his  surprise — Death  of  Lieut.  Mason — Communication  with  Point 
Isabel  cut  off. 

ON  the  24th  news  arrived  in  camp,  that  the  Mexicans  had  com- 
menced crossing  the  river;  that  one  thousand  were  crossing  below, 
and  two  thousand  above.  Capt.  Ker's  squadron  of  dragoons  was 
instantly  ordered  below  to  reconnoitre,  and  shortly  afterwards  Capt. 
Thornton,  with  his  command,  were  sent  up  the  river  for  the  same 
purpose.  Lieut.  Steel,  with  ten  men,  was  also  sent  out,  but  he  soon 
returned,  without  having  seen  any  thing  of  the  enemy.  ', 

This  day  was  made  sad  by  the  funeral  ceremonies  attending  the 
burial  of  Col.  Cross.  The  flags  of  the  encampment  were  all  at  half 
mast,  as  indeed  they  had  been  since  his  remains  were  discovered.  A 
brigade  of  the  Seventh  Regiment,  and  a  squadron  of  dragoons,  com- 
posed the  funeral  escort.  The  son  qf  the  deceased  acted  as  chief 
mourner.  As  the  solemn  train  moved  along  the  banks  of  the  river, 
many  eyes  unused  to  the  melting  mood  were  then  dimmed,  and  many 
a  dark  expression  of  vengeance  was  uttered  against  the  perfidious 
Mexicans,  who,  like  assassins,  and  not  like  soldiers,  destroy  their  foes. 
The  quick  rolling  volleys  of  musketry  announced  to  the  enemy  that 
Col.  Cross  reposed  in  his  final  resting  place. 

The  prospect  of  hostilities  continually  thickened,  and  the  reports 
of  the  crossing  of  Mexicans  were  hourly  substantiated.  It  was  un- 
derstood that  an  attack  was  to  be  made  upon  Point  Isabel,  with  the 
intention  of  cutting  off  Gen.  Taylor's  supplies,  and  at  the  same  time, 
from  several  points,  attack  Fort  Brown. 

A  party  of  Mexicans  were  to-day  fired  upon  by  our  advanced 
pickets,  when  they  precipitately  retreated.  Lieut.  Lamed,  who  had 
been  sent  out  to  find  the  remains  of  Lieut.  Porter,  returned  to  camp 
without  success,  stating  that  he  had  met  Lieut.  Dobbins,  who  had 


ARISTA'S  LETTER  TO  GEN.  TAYLOR.  39 

avowed  his  determination  not  to  return  to  camp  until  he  found  Lieut. 
Porters  body. 

Captain  Ker  having  been  down  the  river  as  far  as  Barita,  which  is 
within  a  short  distance  of  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande,  returned, 
and  reported  that  he  could  gain  no  information  of  the  crossing  of 
troops.  Just  at  this  time  a  parley  was  sounded  on  the  Mexican  side 
of  the  river,  and  a  messenger  was  sent  from  Matamoros  with  the  fol- 
lowing letter  to  Gen.  Taylor : 

MEXICAN  ARMY. 

THE  course  of  events  since  the  annexation  of  Texas  to  the  United 
States  wras  declared,  has  been  so  clearly  hostile  to  Mexico,  and  so 
foreign  to  the  dignity  and  principles  which  the  Americans  have  pro- 
claimed to  the  world,  that  we  come  to  the  conclusion  that  their  policy 
has  changed,  and  their  moderation  is  turned  into  a  desire  of  aggran- 
dizement, enriching  themselves  by  humiliating  their  neighbors. 

The  respect  and  consideration  that  friendly  nations  show  to  each 
other  have  been  trampled  upon,  by  which  reason  the  justice  and  ex- 
cessive moderation  of  Mexico  shine  forth  still  more.  Pressed  and 
forced  into  war,  we  enter  in  a  struggle,  that  cannot  be  avoided  without 
failing  in  what  is  most  sacred  in  man. 

Political  discussions  do  not  appertain  to  military  men,  but  to  diplo- 
matic agents ;  to  us  belongs  the  part  to  act,  without  it  occasioning  any 
surprise  that  the  troops  under  my  command  should  not  wait  for  any 
thing  else  to  give  battle. 

We  Mexicans  have  been  calumniated  as  barbarous,  in  the  most 
caustic  and  unjust  terms;  the  occasion  has  arrived  to  show  what  we 
are,  and  I  do  not  believe  that  in  the  troops  under  my  command  there 
will  be  any  cause  to  confirm  such  suppositions,  as  they  will  cause  to 
shine  the  feelings  of  humanity  and  generosity  that  distinguish  them. 

For  the  first  time,  1  have  the  honor  to  offer  your  excellency  my 
great  consideration.  God  and  liberty ! 

MARIANO  ARISTA. 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  MATAMOROS,  April  24,  1846. 

Directed  outside. — Mariano  Arista,  General-in-Chief  of  the  Division 
of  the  North,  to  the  General-in-Chief  of  the  forces  of  the  United 
States  encamped  opposite  Matamoros. 


40  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

Such  was  Gen.  Arista's  official  communication  announcing  his  ar- 
rival in  Matamoros,  but  evidently  having  the  fear  of  .Gen.  Taylor's 
reproof  to  Gen.  Ampudia  before  his  eyes,  for  not  writing  respectful 
letters,  he  enclosed  the  following  private  note. 

SH.  GEK.  D.  Z.  TATLOR  : 

SIR  : — I  have  just  arrived  in  Matamoros  to  take  command  of  the 
troops  that  the  government  of  my  country  have  confided  to  my  care. 
Your  urbanity,  as  well  as  the  customs  known  among  gentlemen,  make 
me  salute  you  with  all  friendliness,  by  means  of  this  private  commu- 
nication, assuring  you,  that  since  fate  has  marked  us  to  be  immediate 
opponents  in  the  struggles  in  which  our  countries  are  just  entering, 
that  at  least  all  the  laws  of  courtesy  which  reign  between  generals 
carrying  on  a  war  between  civilised  nations  will  be  observed,  and  that 
you  will  always  find  in  my  acts  justice,  love  of  humanity,  and  all  the 
other  qualities  which  make,  in  the  present  times,  war  less  barbarous, 
and  unlike  those  of  the  middle  ages. 

I  have  the  pleasure  of  offering  myself  with  such  motives,  your 
affectionate  servant, 

MARIANO  ARISTA. 

MATAMOROS,  April  24,  1846. 

Lieut.  Dobbins  returned  without  accomplishing  any  thing.  Capt. 
Thornton's  squadron  had  not  yet  returned,  but  was  anxiously  looked 
for. 

A  report  now  reached  the  camp  that  Capt.  Thornton's  command 
had  been  captured.  This  created  the  greatest  excitement,  and  about 
12  o'clock  in  the  day  two  wounded  dragoons,  of  Thornton's  com- 
mand, were  sent  into  Gen.  Taylor  by  Gen.  Torrejon,  a  Mexican  officer, 
with  a  letter  simply  stating  that,  having  no  flying  hospital,  he  could 
not  attend  to  their  wounds. 

The  soldiers  gave  a  very  imperfect  account  of  the  action,  and  re- 
ported ten  men  killed,  Capt.  Hardee  a  prisoner,  Lieut.  Kane  supposed 
to  be  killed,  and  the  fates  of  Thornton  and  Mason  undefined.  New 
precautions  were  taken  to  avoid  surprise,  and  meet  attacks  then  hourly 
expected. 

On  the  26th,  at  night,  Capt.  Catlett,  with  a  Mexican  guide,  started 


GEN.  TAYLOR'S  DESPATCHES.  41 

down  the  river  on  his  way  to  Point  Isabel,  with  despatches  from 
Gen.  Taylor  to  the  governors  of  Louisiana  and  Texas.* 

On  the  27th  all  was  still  doubt  regarding  the  fate  of  Thornton,  and 
the  result  of  his  fight,  when  a  wounded  man  was  sent  in  from  the 
Mexicans.  This  man  was  sent  from  Matamoros,  and  bore  a  letter  from 

*  Despatch  to  the  Governor  of  Louisiana. 

HEAD  QUARTERS  ARMT  OF  OCCUPATION, 

Camp  near  Matamoros,  April  26,  1846. 

Sin  : — I  have  the  honor  to  apprise  you  that  hostilities  have  actually  com- 
menced between  my  forces  and  those  of  the  Mexicans,  and  that  I  have  need 
of  the  services  of  a  considerable  number  of  volunteers.  Four  regiments  have 
been  called  from  Texas,  but  as  there  will  be  considerable  delay  in  assembling 
them  here,  and  as  my  further  operations  will  require  still  stronger  force,  I 
have  the  honor,  under  the  authority  of  the  War  Department,  to  call  upon  the 
state  of  Louisiana  for  four  regiments  of  infantry,  to  be  ordered  into  service 
with  the  utmost  despatch,  and  for  the  longest  period  authorised  by  law. 

I  shall  communicate  immediately  to  Gen.  Gaines,  and  request  him  to  give 
you  every  facility  in  the  organization  and  equipment  of  these  troops,  and  for- 
warding them  to  Point  Isabel.  I  subjoin  the  organization  of  a  regiment  of 
volunteers,  and  respectfully  desire* that  it  may  be  observed,  and  that  the 
number  of  prescribed  officers  be  not  exceeded.  The  battalions  may  be 
mustered  into  service  at  New  Orleans,  or  at  Point  Isabel,  as  most  convenient. 
I  beg  that  they  may  be  sent  forward  as  rapidly  as  they  can  be  raised. 

I  would  suggest  that  a  brigadier  general  be  commissioned  to  command  the 
force  called  from  Louisiana,  and  from  my  experience  of  his  excellent  qualities 
as  an  officer,  I  would  be  particularly  gratified  if  Gen.  Persifor  F.  Smith  could 
be  selected  for  such  appointment. 

I  cannot  doubt  that  the  gallant  state  of  Louisiana  will  respond  with  alac- 
rity to  this  call  upon  the  patriotism  of  her  sons,  and  I  feel  every  assurance 
chat  no  effort  will  be  wanting  on  the  part  of  the  state  authorities,  to  organise 
the  force,  and  have  it  in  readiness  to  embark  at  the  earliest  practicable 
moment. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Z.  TAYLOR, 

Brevet  Brig.  Gen.  U.  S.  A.,  Commanding. 
Hon.  ISAAC  JOHXSOX, 

Gov.  of  Louisiana,  New  Orleans,  La. 

Organization  of  a  regiment  of  volunteers  : 

1  Colonel;  1  Adjutant,  > 

1  Lieut.  Colonel ;  1  Quarter-Master,  J 
1  Major;  with  rank  of  Lieut.; 

1  Surgeon  ;  5  Assistant  Surgeons. 

And  10  companies,  each  to  have — 

1  Captain  ;  4  Sergeants  ; 

1  First  Lieutenant ;  4  Corporals  ; 

1  Second  Lieutenant;  2  Musicians; 

And  at  least  50  privates. 


42  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

Capt.  Hardee,  detailing  an  account  of  the  action,  and  stating  that 
Lieut.  Kane  and  himself  were  in  Matamoros,  prisoners  of  war.  Thirty- 
six  of  their  men  were  with  them,  and  all  were  well  treated.  Capt. 
Hardee  stated  that  Gen.  Ampudia  had  remarked  that  the  Mexicans 
had  borne  the  reputation  of  treating  their  prisoners  barbarously ;  but 
in  that  respect  he  intended  to  redeem  the  Mexican  character. 


According  to  orders  from  Gen.  Taylor,  Capt.  Thornton  with  his 
command  proceeded  up  the  river,  and  after  advancing  probably  twenty- 
six  miles,  and  within  a  presumed  short  distance  from  the  enemy's 
camp,  Capt.  Thornton's  Mexican  guide  refused  to  go  farther,  and 
stated,  as  his  reason,  that  the  country  was  filled  with  Mexican  troops. 
This  opinion  was  confirmed  by  a  Mexican  met  on  the  road,  who 
stated  that  the  enemy  was  encamped,  two  thousand  strong,  under 
Gen.  Anastasio  Torrejon,  within  a  short  distance.  Capt.  Thornton, 
having  but  little  confidence  in  his  guide,  kept  on  up  the  river,  when 
he  came  to  a  farm  house  and  plantation,  fronted  by  a  bog,  and  sur- 
rounded by  a  thick  chaparral  fence,  except  that  portion  which  bor- 
dered upon  the  river.  Capt.  Thornton  entered  the  plantation  through 
a  pair  of  bars,  and  advanced  towards  the  house,  for  the  purpose  of 
making  inquiries  :  his  squadron  followed  in  single  file.  As  soon  as 
his  whole  command  had  entered  the  enclosure,  and  while  engaged  at 
the  house  in  conversation  with  one  of  its  inmates,  the  cry  of  alarm 
was  raised,  and  Capt.  Thornton  found  himself  surrounded  by  a  com- 
plete army.  The  fence  was  lined  with  infantry,  and  the  entrance  of 
the  field  taken  possession  of,  while  a  body  of  cavalry  advanced  upon 
him.  These  last  mentioned  he  gallantly  charged,  and  drove  back ; 
but  he  did  not  succeed  in  reaching  the  opening  in  the  fence.  In  this 
rencontre  Lieut.  Kane  was  unhorsed. 

Capt.  Thornton  then  endeavoured  to  clear  the  chaparral,  and  turn- 
ing, charged  it  with  his  squadron,  when  the  infantry  with  which  it 
was  lined,  opened  a  destructive  fire.  Capt.  Thornton's  horse  receiving 
a  severe  wound  at  the  instant  of  making  one  of  the  most  extraordinary 
leaps  on  record,  bore  his  rider  gallantly  over  the  chaparral,  and  both 
disappeared.  The  squadron,  unable  to  follow  its  leader,  was  rallied 
under  a  galling  fire,  by  Capt.  Hardee,  thus  placed  in  command,  and 


CAPT.  THORNTON.  43 

endeavored  to  retreat  to  the  Mexican  side  of  the  river  by  going  over 
the  bogsy  front,  and  swimming1  the  stream.  In  this  he  failed,  for  the 
banks  of  the  river  were  impassable,  and  finding  himself  and  command 
entirely  surrounded  by  the  enemy,  and  all  retreat  impossible,  he  ad- 
vanced towards  a  Mexican  officer,  and  stated  the  willingness  of  him- 
self and  the  twenty-five  men  around  him  to  surrender,  on  condition 
that  their  treatment  should  be  such  as  is  usual  to  prisoners  of  war, 
and  in  accordance  with  the  customs  of  civilised  nations.  If  such 
terms  would  not  be  granted,  he  expressed  the  readiness  of  himself  and 
men  to  sell  their  lives  as  dearly  as  possible.  This  message  being 
borne  to  the  general  commanding,  and  an  answer  giving  the  promise 
being  returned,  the  command  surrendered,  crossed  the  river,  and  en- 
tered Matamoros  as  prisoners  of  war.  The  capture  of  Capt.  Thorn- 
ton's command  filled  the  Mexican  army  with  extacies,  and  though  the 
force  opposed  to  Capt.  Thornton  was  at  least  ten  or  fifteen  to  one, 
still  it  was  considered  a  great  and  glorious  victory.  Gen.  Arista,  on 
receipt  of  the  news,  addressed  the  following  letter  of  congratulation 
to  Gen.  Torrejon. 

THIS  has  been  a  day  of  rejoicing  to  all  the  Division  of  the  North, 
it  having  this  day  been  known  of  the  triumph  achieved  by  the  brigade 
which  your  excellency  so  worthily  commands.  The  rejoiced  country 
will  doubtless  celebrate  this  preliminary  of  glorious  deeds  that  her 
happy  sons  will  in  future  present  to  her.  Your  excellency  will  com- 
municate to  your  brave  soldiers  that  I  have  seen  with  the  greatest 
pleasure  their  valiant  behaviour,  and  that  I  await  for  the  detailed  des- 
patch to  elevate  it  to  the  knowledge  of  the  supreme  government,  so 
that  the  nation  may  learn  the  triumph  of  your  arms. 

MARIANO  ARISTA. 

To  Gen.  Don  AXASTASIO  TORREJOX.     Matamoros,  April  28. 

On  the  29th  the  comrades  of  Capt,  Thornton  heard,  with  a  burst 
of  joy,  a  statement  from  a  Mexican  officer,  that  Capt.  Thornton  still 
lived.  It  appears  that  after  charging  the  chaparral  fence,  he  cut  his 
way  through  the  enemy,  and  ran  the  gauntlet  of  a  great  number  of 
shots,  in  the  midst  of  which  his  horse  fell,  rolling  down  the  bank,  se- 
verely bruising  him  in  many  places.  He  recovered  himself,  and  got 


44  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

within  five  miles  of  the  American  camp,  when  he  was  stopped  by  a 
picket  guard  of  the  enemy,  and  carried  into  Matamoras.  Lieut.  Kane 
having  escaped  from  the  enclosure  in  which  the  party  were  surprised, 
was  made  a  prisoner,  and  protected  from  immediate  murder  by  being 
placed  behind  a  Mexican  cavalry  officer :  but  even  while  thus  pro- 
tected, the  Mexican  soldiers  contrived  to  pick  his  pockets,  and  take 
part  of  his  uniform,  besides  the  spurs  from  his  boots.  . 

Lieut.  G.  T.  Mason  was  killed  in  the  rencontre.  Rumor  has  it  that 
he  engaged  personally  with  Romano  Falcon,  singling  him  out  at  the 
commencement  of  the  action.  It  is  said  that  in  the  close  contest  he 
crippled  Romano  Falcon  by  maiming  his  hand  for  life. 

Lieut.  G.  T.  Mason  is  remembered  by  his  brothers  in  arms  as  a  gen- 
tleman universally  beloved ;  as  a  chivalrous,  high-toned  officer,  full 
of  the  spirit  of  the  valiant  soldier,  proud  of  his  profession,  yet  unassu- 
ming in  his  manners.  He  graduated  at  West  Point  in  1842,  and  was 
assigned  to  a  command  in  the  First  Dragoons.* 

The  prospect  of  Point  Isabel  (which  contained  all  the  military 
stores)  being  assailed  now  hourly  increased,  and  all  intercourse  be- 
tween that  place  and  Gen.  Taylor's  camp  was  cut  off.  Fort  Brown 
was  nearly  completed,  and  Gen.  Taylor  commenced  preparations  ne- 
cessary to  enable  the  greater  part  of  his  force  to  march  to  Point  Isa- 
bel. Gen.  Taylor  gave  his  orders  with  great  promptitude  ;  and  though 
he  seemed  to  understand  perfectly  his  singular  position,  and  the  im- 
portance of  each  movement,  he  showed  by  every  action  that  he  was 
entirely  confident  of  success. 

*  In  the  ambuscade  that  resulted  in  the  surrender  of  Thornton's  command 
there  were  killed,  one  officer,  two  sergeants,  and  eight  men,  while  by  the 
capture  nearly  one  third  of  the  mounted  force  on  the  Rio  Grande  was  lost  to 
the  army. 


BRAZOS  SANTIAGO.  45 


CHAPTER  V. 

Brazos  Santiago — Incident  in  its  history — Entrance  in  the  bay — Point  Isabel — 
Don  Roderiguez — His  conduct — Retreat  from  Point  Isabel — Col.  Twiggs 
takes  possession  of  it — Made  a  depot  of  military  stores — Major  Munroe  takes 
command — Stirring  incidents — Capt.  Walker  leaves  for  Fort  Brown. 

IF  you  would  reach  Point  Isabel  by  the  way  of  the  sea,  yon  must 
first  pass  through  Brazos  Santiago,  which  simply  means,  "  St.  James' 
inlet."  The  pass  is  as  desolate  a  looking  place  as  can  well  be  con- 
ceived of.  As  far  as  the  eye  can  reach,  a  barren  sand-bar  meets  the 
eye,  the  sameness  of  which  is  only  broken  by  the  half-burned  wreck 
of  some  unfortunate  vessel  blown  ashore,  in  one  of  the  frequent 
storms  that  ravage  the  Texian  coast ;  and,  save  on  your  left,  there 
you  see  an  embankment  of  perhaps  a  mile,  that  once  stood  up  against 
the  dashing  sea,  as  a  natural  wall.  You  will  at  once  be  struck  with 
the  evidence,  that  at  some  stated  time,  the  waves  of  the  troubled  ocean 
have  swept  over  it,  furrowing  it  with  deep  ridges  and  ravines  j  such 
has  been  the  case. 

But  a  few  years  since,  and  a  small  Mexican  village,  and  a  fort,  con- 
taining some  sixty  soldiers,  stood  upon  the  "  Brazos  point."  Two 
pieces  of  camion  perfectly  defended  the  entrance  of  the  inlet.  On  a 
terrible  night,  when  the  wind  blew  inland,  driving  ships  before  it  to 
destruction,  as  if  they  had  been  paper  toys,  the  sea  itself,  piled  in 
huge  masses  against  the  bluff,  until  amidst  the  thunder  and  lightning 
and  darkness,  it  swept  over  the  frail  barrier,  engulphing  village  and 
fort,  and  their  inmates,  in  the  everlasting  grave,  and  leaving,  when  the 
storm  cleared  away,  not  the  slightest  fragment  to  tell  that  more  ever 
existed  at  the  Brazos,  than  the  present  low  desolate-looking  sand-hills. 

The  breakers  are  always  rolling  at  the  Brazos  bar.  There  seems 
ever  to  be  some  troubled  spirit  in  the  waters  and  air,  that  throws  about 
the  voyager's  craft,  and  makes  the  seaman  cautious  in  his  movements. 
The  powerful  labor  of  steam,  in  fair  weather,  sends  in  the  vessel 
through  the  "pass,"  quite  handsomely,  if  she  be  not  drawing  too 
much  water.  Once  fairly  in,  you  see  Point  Isabel  some  three  miles 


46  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

off,  quite  picturesquely  situated  at  the  head  of  the  bay.  Your  vessel 
turns  suddenly  to  the  left,  and  comes  to'  anchor  under  cover  of  the 
sand-hills,  leaving  passengers  and  freight,  to  find  their  way  to  "  the 
point,"  as  best  they  may,  in  "  lighters,"  or  other  shallow  craft. 

Point  Isabel  is  a  bluff  some  fifteen  or  twenty  feet  high,  reaching 
out  into  the  bay,  and  falling  back  inland ;  consequently  it  commands 
the  country  about  for  a  great  distance,  particularly  as  you  look  to- 
wards Matamoros.  It  was,  up  to  the  25th  of  March,  1846,  the  site 
of  a  small  Mexican  village,  composed  of  grass-thatched  cottages,  made 
of  reeds,  or  spars  of  wrecked  vessels.  Its  population  consisted  of  a 
Mexican  by  the  name  of  Don  Roderiguez,  who  was  "  captain  of  the 
port,"  and  consequently  had  charge  of  the  u  custom-house,"  together 
with  fifty  or  sixty  idle  inhabitants.  It  was  then  defended  by  Gen. 
Garcia,  who  had  with  him,  it  was  said,  a  force  of  two  hundred  and 
fifty  men,  composed  of  infantry  and  artillery.  Don  Roderiguez  repre- 
sented his  class.  He  was  a  mail  who  took  bribes  from  those  who 
exported  goods  from  the  country;  took  bribes  from  those  who  im- 
ported goods  into  the  country;  took  bribes  for  not  exposing  his  vic- 
tims. And  in  this  way  he  empoverished  the  people,  defrauded  the 
customs,  and  was  getting  rich,  while  managing  to  send  just  money 
enough  to  head  quarters,  to  let  "  the  government"  know  that  he  was 
busy  fleecing  the  people  it  should  protect.  He  it  was  who,  after  "  the 
delegation"  of  his  own  citizens  had  gone  out  to  meet  Gen.  Taylor, 
first  discovered  the  American  fleet  coming  towards  the  Brazos,  from 
Aransas  bay,  which,  it  will  be  remembered,  appeared  almost  simulta- 
neously with  our  army  at  the  rear  of  the  point.  Enraged  at  the  sight, 
and  judging  rightly  that  his  "  occupation  was  gone,"  he  set  fire  to  the 
custom-house,  a  miserable  hovel,  and  with  the  soldiers  under  Gen. 
Garcia,  and  the  inhabitants,  fled  out  of  the  bay  towards  Matamoros, 
by  the  way  of  Boca  Chica,  just  in  time  to  escape  from  our  dragoons, 
under  Col.  Twiggs,  whom  Gen.  Taylor  had  ordered,  upon  seeing  the 
conflagration,  to  hasten  to  the  point,  and  at  which  place  Col.  Twiggs 
arrived  in  time  to  save  a  few  of  the  houses,  but  not  to  arrest  the  in- 
cendiary custom-house  officer. 

Immediately  on  the  arrival  of  the  detachments  of  the  U.  S.  troops, 
Point  Isabel  became  a  place  of  great  business.  The  few  Mexican  huts 
that  were  left  standing  after  the  fire,  were  at  once  occupied  ;  and  then 


CAPT.  WALKER.  47 

commenced  the  erection  of  a  variety  of  rude  sheds  and  dwellings,  for 
the  accommodation  of  the  "  military  stores"  and  the  property  of  the 
sutlers  who  followed  the  army.  The  harbor  was  filled  with  vessels 
laden  with  the  stores  of  the  army,  and  of  every  possible  size,  that 
could  enter  it,  while  in  the  offing  there  constantly  hovered  a  number 
of  our  vessels  of  war. 

For  the  defence  of  this  place,  Gen.  Taylor  appointed  Major  John 
Munroe,  with  two  companies  of  artillery.  Capt.  J.  Saunders,  of  the 
engineering  corps,  planned  its  defences,  which  were  immediately  com~ 
menced  after  taken  possession  of  by  the  "  Army  of  Occupation." 

Nothing  of  startling  interest  occurred  at  this  place  until  towards 
the  end  of  April,  when,  through  the  dangers  threatened  Gen.  Taylor 
at  Fort  Brown,  apprehensions  were  felt  for  Point  Isabel.  Rumors 
were  constantly  in  circulation,  that  large  bodies  of  Mexicans  were 
preparing  to  move  to  the  point,  with  the  intention  of  cutting  off  Gen. 
Taylor  from  his  supplies.  The  Mexican  force  known  to  be  about 
Fort  Brown  were  continually  making  demonstrations  towards  Point 
Isabel,  until  all  communication  was  cut  off  between  that  place  and 
the  army  on  the  banks  of  the  Rio  Grande.  During  the  nights  of  the 
27th  and  28th  of  April  the  force  at  Point  Isabel  expected  to  be 
attacked,  and  every  disposition  was  made  accordingly.  The  masters 
of  vessels  in  port  were  called  on  for  their  crews,  and  about  five  hun- 
dred men  were  furnished  with  arms,  among  whom  were  some  fifty  or 
sixty  seamen.  Small  parties  of  Texians  had  previously  arrived,  among 
whom  was  Capt.  Walker,  of  the  Rangers,  who  was  destined  to  occupy 
a  prominent  place  in  the  stirring  events  that  followed.  Major  Munroe 
expressed  himself  able  to  hold  out  with  his  reinforcements  against 
any  number  of  Mexicans  that  chose  to  attack  him.  At  this  time 
several  teams  that  had  started  for  Fort  Brown,  were  compelled  to  re- 
turn ;  and  Capt.  Walker,  with  a  number  of  men,  who  had,  on  the 
28th,  gone  out  to  reconnoitre,  were  driven  back  to  Point  Isabel,  suf- 
fering great  loss.  He  stated,  that  midway  between  Point  Isabel  and 
the  camp,  an  overwhelming  Mexican  force  suddenly  appeared,  and 
many  of  his  men,  who  were  just  enlisted,  had  scattered  in  confusion, 
and  he  was  compelled  to  retreat.  He  was  followed  by  the  Mexicans 
until  within  a  short  distance  of  the  point,  where  he  arrived  with  only 
two  of  his  command ;  seven  afterwards  came  in.  Capt.  Walker  esti- 


48  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

mated  the  force  he  met  at  fifteen  hundred,  and  thought  many  of  the 
enemy  fell  in  his  engagement  with  them. 

In  spite  of  the  severe  repulse  Capt.  Walker  had  received,  he  offered 
his  services  to  Major  Munroe  to  carry  a  message  to  Gen.  Taylor.  His 
offer  was  accepted,  and  on  the  evening  of  the  29th  he  started,  and 
after  running  the  most  imminent  risks  of  being  captured,  he  succeeded 
in  reaching  Gen.  Taylor's  camp  in  safety.  As  soon  as  Gen.  Taylor 
received  Major  Munroe's  message,  he  determined  upon  a  movement 
that  would  protect  Point  Isabel,  and  open  a  communication  with  his 
supplies. 


DEPARTURE  OF  GEN.  TAYLOR  FROM  FORT  BROWN.      49 


CHAPTER   VI. 

Gen.  Taylor,  with  the  army,  march  out  of  Fort  Brown — The  Fort — Mexican 
account  thereof — Mexican  valor — Sorrow  at  not  meeting  Gen.  Taylor — 
Bombardment  commenced — Incident — Death  of  Sergeant  Weigart — Mexi- 
can account  of  the  first  day's  bombardment — Triumph  of  their  arms- 
Bravery  of  the  people  of  Matamoros — Additional  particulars — Bulletin  of 
Northern  Division — Glory  of  the  Mexican  arms — Their  future  prospects 
with  posterity. 

ACCORDINGLY,  on  the  morning  of  the  1st  of  May,  1846,  the  main 
body  of  the  "  Army  of  Occupation"  marched  out  of  its  entrenchments 
upon  the  banks  of  the  Rio  Grande,  and  moved  towards  Point  Isabel, 
The  Seventh  Regiment  of  infantry,  and  two  companies  of  artillery, 
commanded  by  Capt.  Lowd  and  Lieut.  Bragg,  the  whole  under  the 
command  of  Major  J.  Brown  of  the  Seventh,  were  left  in  the  fort  to 
complete  its  works,  and  defend  it  if  attacked. 


Fort  Brown,  and  Grave  of  Col.  Cross. 

As  the  army  passed  out,  the  banks  of  the  river  on  the  Matamoros 
side  were  crowded  with  spectators,  to  witness  the  departure  of  what 
they  fondly  thought  were  discomfited  troops.  The  bells  of  the  city 
rang,  and  the  cadences  of  music  showed  that  there  was  a  gala  time  in 
its  streets.  A  boletin  de  la  Division  del  Norte  was  duly  despatched  by 
Gen.  Arista  to  the  city  of  Mexico,  announcing  the  "retreat"  of  Gen. 

4 


50 


OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


1.  Gen.  Taylor's  Head  Quarters  when  he 

first  arrived  on  the  Rio  Grande. 

2.  Old  Guard  House. 

3.  Fort  Brown. 

4.  Flair. 

.0.  Battery  of  two  Bombs. 
C.  Ferry. 

7.  Lower  Ferry. 

8.  Road  to  Point  Isabel. 

9.  Fanques  del  Raminero. 

10.  Island. 

11.  Pond. 


12.  Garden. 

13.  Matamoros. 

14.  Plaza. 

10.  Fort  Parfides. 

16.  Mortar  Battery. 

17.  Sand-Bag  Battery. 

18.  Mortar  Battery. 

19.  Batteries. 

20.  Lower-Fort  Mortar  Battery. 

21.  Mortar,  or  Country  Battery. 

22.  Gen.   Taylor's    Head   Quarters  after 

taking  Matamoros. 


MEXICAN  BULLETIN.  51 

Taylor  and  his  army.  The  soldiers  left  in  the  fort  worked  Avith  new 
energy  all  that  day,  and  the  ensuing  night,  to  strengthen  its  walls,  and 
every  precaution  was  used  at  the  same  time  to  repel  hostilities.  Major 
Brown  assigned  to  each  company  a  certain  part  of  the  work  for  it  to 
defend,  and  gave  to  each  man  his  place  on  the  parapet  where  he  must 
spring  in  case  of  alarm. 

The  movements  of  Gen,  Taylor  were  perfectly  known  to  the 
Mexican  army.  Gen.  Taylor's  contemplated  march  fi»r  the  relief  of 
Point  Isabel  had  evidently  been  promulgated  in  Matamoros,  and  the 
Mexican  generals  had  conceived  the  idea  of  cutting  him  off,  before  he 
had  accomplished  his  object.  Their  preparations  for  such  a  purpose 
can  be  looked  at  through  their  own  documents,  as  will  be  seen  by 
the  following  extract  from  a  semi-official  bulletin.* 

"  On  the  first  of  this  month,  (May,)  at  1 1  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
the  general-in-chief  left  this  place,  (Matamoros,)  to  join  the  army  who 
several  hours  before  had  left  with  the  intention  of  crossing  the  river 
at  a  short  distance  from  the  camp  of  the  enemy.  In  consequence  of 
the  orders  given  so  that  this  dangerous  operation  might  be  performed 
with  due  security,  and  according  to  the  rules  of  military  art,  when 
our  troops  arrived  at  the  spot  designated  for  the  crossing  of  the  river, 
the  left  bank  was  already  occupied  by  Gen.  D.  Anastasio  Torrejon, 
with  all  the  force  under  his  command.  The  enthusiasm  of  our  sol- 
diers to  conquer  the  obstacles  which  separated  them  from  the  enemy 
was  so  great,  that  they  showed  themselves  impatient  of  the  delay 
occasioned  by  the  bad  condition  of  some  of  the  flat  boats  which  had 
been  very  much  injured  in  the  transportation  by  land,  and  could  not 
be  used,  as  they  would  fill  up  with  water  as  soon  as  they  were 
launched.  In  spite  of  that  obstacle,  the  work  went  on  with  such 
activity,  and  so  great  was  the  ardor  of  the  most  excellent  general-in- 
chief,  whose  orders  were  obeyed  with  the  greatest  promptness  and 
precision,  that  a  few  hours  were  sufficient  to  transport  to  the  opposite 
bank  of  the  Bravo  a  strong  division,  with  all  its  artillery  and  train. 

"  This  rapid  and  well-combined  movement  ought  to  have  proved  to 
the  invaders  not  only  that  the  Mexicans  possess  instruction  and  aptness 
for  war,  but  that  those  qualities  are  now  brought  forth  by  the  purest 

*  El  Monitor  Republicano. — Matamoros,  May  4. 


52          OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

patriotism.  The  Northern  Division,  fearless  of  fatigue  and  levelling  all 
difficulties,  ran  to  seek  an  enemy  who,  well  sheltered  under  parapets, 
and  defended  with  guns  of  a  large  calibre,  could  wait  for  the  attack 
with  indisputable  advantage.  With  deep  trenches,  with  a  multitude 
of  fortifications,  the  defence  was  easy  against  those  who  presented 
themselves  with  their  naked  breasts. 

"  But  Gen.  Taylor  dared  not  resist  the  valor  and  enthusiasm  of  the 
sons  of  Mexico.  Well  did  he  foresee  the  intrepidity  with  which  our 
soldiers  would  rush  against  the  usurpers  of  the  national  territory. 
Well  did  he  know  the  many  injuries  which  were  to  be  avenged  by 
those  who  had  taken  up  arms,  not  to  aggrandise  themselves  with  the 
spoils  of  the  property  of  others,  but  to  maintain  the  independence  of 
their  country.  Well  did  he  know,  we  repeat  it,  that  the  Mexicans 
would  be  stopped  neither  by  trenches,  or  fortresses,  or  large  artillery. 
Thus  it  was  that  the  chief  of  the  American  forces,  frightened  as  soon 
as  he  perceived  from  the  situation  and  proximity  of  his  camp  that  our 
army  were  preparing  to  cross  the  river,  left  with  precipitation  for 
Point  Isabel  with  almost  all  his  troops,  eight  pieces  of  artillery,  and  a 
few  wagons.  Their  inarch  was  observed  from  our  position,  and  the 
most  excellent  Gen.  D.  Francisco  Mejia  immediately  sent  an  express 
extraordinary  to  communicate  the  news  to  the  most  excellent  general- 
in-chief.  Here  let  me  pay  to  our  brave  men  the  tribute  which  they 
deserve.  The  express  verbally  informed  some  of  the  troops  which 
had  not  yet  arrived  at  the  ford,  of  the  escape  of  the  Americans ;  in 
one  instant,  all  the  soldiers  spontaneously  crossed  the  river,  almost 
racing  one  with  another. 

"  Such  was  the  ardor  with  which  they  crossed  the  river  to  attack 
the  enemy. 

"  The  terror  and  haste  with  which  the  latter  fled  to  the  fort,  to  shut 
themselves  up  in  it  and  avoid  a  conflict,  frustrated  the  active  measures 
of  the  most  excellent  Senor  General  Arista,  which  were  to  order  the 
cavalry  to  advance  in  the  plain  and  to  cut  off  the  flight  of  the  fugitives. 
But  it  was  not  possible  to  do  so,  notwithstanding  their  forced  march 
during  the  night.  Gen.  Taylor  left  his  camp  at  2  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon, and,  as  fear  has  wings,  he  succeeded  in  shutting  himself  up  in 
the  fort.  When  our  cavalry  reached  the  point  where  they  were  to 
detain  him,  he  had  already  passed,  and  was  several  leagues  ahead. 


BOMBARDMENT  COMMENCED.  53 


Great  was  the  sorrow  of  our  brave  men  not  to  have  been  able  to  meet 
the  enemy  face  to  face ;  their  defeat  was  certain,  and  the  main  body 
of  that  invading  army,  who  thought  that  they  inspired  the  Mexicans 
with  so  much  respect,  would  have  disappeared  in  the  first  important 
battle.  But  there  was  some  fighting  to  be  done ;  and  the  Americans 
do  not  know  how  to  use  other  anus  but  those  of  duplicity  and 
treachery.  Why  did  they  not  remain  with  firmness  under  their  colors  ? 
Why  did  they  abandon  the  ground  which  they  pretend^ to  usurp  with 
such  iniquity  ?  Thus  has  an  honorable  general  kept  his  word.  Had 
not  Gen.  Taylor  said,  in  all  his  communications,  that  he  was  prepared 
to  repel  all  hostilities  ?  Why,  then,  does  he  fly  in  so  cowardly  a 
manner  to  shut  himself  up  at  the  point  ?  The  commander-in-chief 
of  the  American  army  has  covered  himself  with  opprobrium  and  igno- 
miny in  sacrificing  a  part  of  his  forces,  whom  he  left  in  the  fortifica- 
tions, to  save  himself;  for  it  is  certain  that  he  will  not  return  to  their 
assistance — not  that  he  is  ignorant  of  their  peril,  but  he  calculates 
that  his  would  be  greater  if  he  had  the  temerity  of  attempting  to  resist 
the  Mexican  lances  and  bayonets  in  the  open  plain." 

The  first  and  second  day  after  Gen.  Taylor  left  Fort  Brown,  it  was 
entirely  unmolested,  but  on  the  morning  of  the  third,  and  the  3d  day 
of  the  month,  the  Mexicans  opened  on  the  fort,  from  one  of  their 
batteries,  containing  seven  guns.  The  fire  was  immediately  returned 
on  the  fort,  and  on  the  town :  the  consulate  flags  being  respected.  In 
twenty  minutes  after  the  fort  opened,  an  eighteen  pound  ball  struck  a 
Mexican  twelve-pounder  directly  in  the  muzzle,  knocking  it  off  its 
carriage,  and  wounding  those  who  manned  it.  A  few  moments  after 
this  incident,  the  whole  battery  was  silenced.  When  the  fire  first  com- 
menced, Lieut.  Britton  rushed  into  his  tent,  seized  his  rifle,  and  stepped 
out,  instantly  a  nine  pound  ball  passed  through  the  tent,  ranged  through 
it,  breaking  the  back  upright  pole,  and  passing  through  two  other  tents, 
buried  itself  in  the  parapet.  The  enemy,  after  the  silence  of  their 
battery,  commenced  firing  shot  and  shells,  from  the  "  lower  fort"  and 
*"  mortar  batteries,"  but  without  doing  any  damage.  At  this  tune,  a 
curtain,  connecting  the  flanks  of  the  north  and  east  bastions  of  the 
fort,  the  one  in  wrhich  the  gate  was  placed,  was  unfinished.  To  com- 
plete this  curtain,  the  soldiers  worked  night  and  day,  without  any  re- 
gularly appointed  time  for  sleeping,  and  under  constant  fire.  As  the 


54  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

parapet  rose,  the  men  became  more  exposed,  and  the  enemy  took  ad- 
vantage of  it,  directing  their  guns  upon  any  point  where  laborers  were 
seen.  About  five  hours  after  the  bombardment  commenced,  Sergeant 
Weigart  of  the  Seventh  was  killed  while  at  his  post,  by  a  cannon-ball, 
that  struck  him  on  the  head.  His  companions  conveyed  the  body  to  the 
hospital  tent,  which  was  on  the  south  side  of  the  fort,  and  deposited 
it  on  a  cot,  and  but  a  moment  afterwards,  a  bomb  fell  through  the 
roof  of  the  hospital  tent,  among  a  crowd  of  sick  and  wounded,  and 
exploded,  blowing  off  the  dead  man's  head,  tearing  the  tent  to  pieces, 
and  yet  not  injuring  in  the  slightest  degree  a  living  person.  An  inci- 
dent so  strange,  is  hardly  recorded  in  history. 

Such  is  the  history  of  the  first  day  of  the  bombardment.  The 
Mexicans  had  their  notions  of  it,  and  with  promptness  despatched 
them  to  "  head  quarters ;"  they  were  as  follows  :* 

"  But  let  us  relate  the  glorious  events  of  yesterday.  As  Aurora 
dawned,  we  began  to  fire  from  our  ramparts  on  the  fortifications  of 
the  enemy,  and  the  thunder  of  Mexican  cannon  was  saluted  by  the 
reveille  from  every  point  of  our  line,  by  the  bell  of  the  parochial 
church,  and  by  the  vivas  of  the  inhabitants  of  Matamoros.  In  a  mo- 
ment the  streets  were  filled,  and  all  were  rejoiced  to  see  at  last  the 
hour  arrived,  when  we  were  to  give  a  terrible  lesson  to  the  American 
camp,  whose  odious  presence  could  no  longer  be  tolerated.  The 
enemy  answered,  but  they  were  soon  convinced  that  their  artillery, 
although  of  a  superior  calibre,  could  not  compete  with  ours.  After  a 
fire  of  five  hours,  our  ramparts  remained  immovable,  on  account  of 
the  solidity  of  their  construction,  and  the  intelligence  with  which  the 
rules  of  art  had  been  observed.  The  same  did  not  happen  to  the 
American  fortifications,  whose  bastions  were  so  completely  demolished, 
that  towards  1 1  o'clock  in  the  morning  their  artillery  ceased  to  play, 
and  their  fire  was  hushed.  We  continued  to  fire  with  activity  during 
the  day,  without  the  enemy's  daring  to  respond  to  us,  because,  the 
parapets  under  which  they  would  shelter  themselves  being  destroyed, 
they  had  not  courage  to  load  their  guns,  which  remained  uncovered. 
This  result  shows  us  of  what  in  reality  consists  the  exalted  skill  of 
the  American  artillerists.  They  have  eighteen-pounders,  and  we  have 
nothing  larger  than  eight-pounders ;  and  yet  the  intelligence  and  prac- 
*  From  El  Monitor  Republicano,  Matamoros,  M?./  4. 


MEXICAN  ACCOUNT.  55 

tice  of  the  Mexicans  sufficed  to  conquer  those  who  had  superior  arms 
Unequalled  glory  and  eternal  honor  to  our  brave  artillerymen. 

"The  enemy,  in  their  impotent  rage,  and  before  they  concealed 
their  shame  behind  the  most  distant  parapets,  had  the  barbarous  plea- 
sure of  aiming  their  guns  towards  the  city,  to  destroy  its  edifices,  as 
it  was  not  in  their  power  to  destroy  the  fortifications  from  which  they 
received  so  much  injury.  This  wicked  revenge,  which  only  springs 
from  cowardly  and  miserable  souls,  did  not  meet  with  the  success 
expected  by  those  who  so  unworthily  adorn  themselves  with  the  title 
of  savants  and  philanthropists.  Their  stupidity  was  equal  to  their 
wickedness.  Almost  all  the  balls  passed  too  high ;  and  those  which 
touched  the  houses,  although  they  were  eighteen-pounders,  did  not 
cause  any  other  mischief  but  that  of  piercing  one  or  two  walls.  If 
those  who  conceived  the  infamous  design  of  destroying  Matamoros, 
had  seen  the  contemptuous  laughter  with  which  the  owners  of  those 
houses  showed  their  indifference  for  the  losses  which  they  might  sus- 
tain, they  would  have  admired  the  patriotism  and  disinterestedness  of 
the  Mexicans,  always  ready  to  undergo  the  greatest  sacrifices,  when 
it  is  necessary  to  maintain  their  nationality  and  independence.  The 
glorious  3d  of  May  is  another  brilliant  testimony  of  this  truth  ;  through 
the  thickest  of  the  firing,  one  could  remark  the  most  ardent  enthu- 
siasm on  all  faces,  and  hardly  had  a  ball  fallen,  when  even  the  chil- 
dren would  look  for  it,  without  fearing  that  another  aimed  in  the  same 
manner  should  fall  in  the  same  place.  That,  we  saw  ourselves  in  the 
public  square,  wrhere  a  multitude  of  citizens  were  assembled. 

"  The  triumph  of  our  arms  has  been  complete,  and  we  have  only 
to  lament  the  loss  of  a  sergeant  and  two  artillerymen,  who  fell  glo- 
riously in  fighting  for  their  country.  The  families  of  those  victims 
ought  to  be  taken  care  of  by  the  supreme  government,  to  whose  pater- 
nal gratitude  they  have  been  recommended  by  the  most  excellent  senor 
general-in-chief.  We  must  also  be  consoled  by  the  thought  that  the 
blood  of  these  brave  men  has  been  revenged  by  their  bereaved  com- 
panions. As  many  of  our  balls  passed  through  the  enemy's  embra- 
sures, the  loss  to  the  Americans  must  have  been  very  great ;  and  al- 
though we  do  not  know  exactly  the  number  of  their  dead,  the  most 
accurate  information  makes  it  amount  to  fifty-six.  It  is  probable  that 
such  is  the  case.  Since  1 1  o'clock  in  the  morning,  the  abandonment  of 


56  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

their  guns,  merely  because  two  of  them  were  dismounted,  and  the  'i 
others  were  uncovered ;  the  panic-terror  with  which,  in  all  haste,  they 
took  refuge  in  their  furthest  entrenchments,  taking  away  from  the: 
camp  all  that  could  suffer  from  the  attack  of  our  artillery;  the  de-j 
struction  which  must  have  been  occasioned  by  the  bombs  so  well 
aimed,  that  some  would  burst  at  a  yard's  distance  from  the  ground  in] 
their  descent  to  the  point  where  they  were  to  fall ;  every  thing  con-j 
tributes  to  persuade  that  indeed  the  enemy  have  suffered  a  terrible^ 
loss.     If  it  were  not  the  case — if  they  preserved  some  remnant  of ; 
valor,  why  did  they  not  dare  to  repair  their  fortifications  in  the  night., 
It  is  true  that,  from  time  to  time,  a  few  guns  were  fired  on  them  inj 
the  night,  but  their  aim  could  not  be  certain,  and  cowardice  alone 
could  force  them  not  to  put  themselves  in  an  attitude  to  return  the 
fire  which  was  poured  on  them  again  at  daylight.     No  American  put] 
out  his  head ;  silence  reigned  in  their  camp ;  and  for  this  reason  we 
have  suspended  our  fire  to-day — that  there  is  no  enemy  to  meet  our! 
batteries. 

"  To  conclude,  we  will  give  a  brilliant  paragraph  relating  to  the  } 
contest,  by  the  most  excellent  senor  general-in-chief,  as  to  the  part  I 
which  he  took  in  the  events  of  yesterday.  He  says  thus:  'Mexico 
must  glorify  herself,  and  especially  the  valiant  men  of  the  Division  of 
the  North,  that  a  force  inferior  in  its  elements,  and  perhaps  in  number 
also,  and  which  required  nearly  two  months  to  swell  itself  with  the 
auxiliaries  coming  from  the  capital,  should  meet  in  an  immense  plain,: 
defying  the  army  of  the  United  States,  and  the  whole  power  of  that  j 
republic,  without  their  opponents,  who  could  receive  succor  in  the  j 
space  of  fifty  hours,  should  dare  to  leave  the  fort  to  give  us  battle.' "  j 

" BULLETIN  OF  THE  NOHTHERX  DIVISION, 

"Matamoros,  May  4lh. 

"  FROM  the  news  which  we  publish  to-day,  it  will  be  seen  that  the 
Northern  Division,  so  deservedly  intrusted  with  the  first  operations 
against  the  North  American  army,  has  most  nobly  fulfilled  its  highly 
important  mission.  Not  that  we  mean  to  be  understood  as  consider- 
ing its  task  is  yet  fully  completed,  but  we  anticipate,  before  the  end 
of  the  present  week,  to  witness  the  total  discomfiture  of  the  enemy, 
who  has  had  the  temerity  to  answer  the  fire  of  our  batteries  :  of  those 


MEXICAN  BULLETIN.  57 

batteries  that  gave  them  yesterday  such  abundant  proof  of  that  valor, 
so  characteristic  of  the  Mexicans  :  a  valor  rendered  famous  in  a  hun- 
dred bloody  contests !  It  were  endless  to  recount  all  the  acts  of 
patriotism  performed  by  the  troops  of  the  garrison,  and  the  valiant 
citizens  who  shared  in  the  defence  of  the  city — they  courted  danger 
with  that  intrepidity  always  inspired  by  a  just  cause. 

"  So  rapid  is  the  fire  of  our  guns,  that  the  batteries  of  the  enemy 
have  been  silenced*  But  what  is  most  worthy  of  notice,  as  showing 
the  great  enthusiasm  of  this  place,  is  the  fact  that  many  of  the  inha- 
bitants, of  both  sexes,  in  the  hottest  of  the  cannonade,  remained  firm 
in  front  of  the  enemy,  filled  with  enthusiasm :  indeed,  fear  is  always 
unknown  to  those  whose  mission  it  is  to  avenge  an  outrage  upon 
the  sacred  rights  of  their  beloved  country. 

"  From  our  account  of  the  war,  the  world  will  judge  of  the  great 
superiority  of  our  troops,  in  courage  as  well  as  skill,  over  the  Ameri- 
cans. It  is  indeed  wonderful  to  witness  the  dismay  of  the  enemy : 
rare  is  the  occurrence  when  an  American  ventures  outside  of  the 
breastwork. — There  can  be  no  doubt  of  this,  that  the  Mexicans  will 
be  considered  by  foreign  nations  as  the  very  emblems  of  patriotism."!" 
How  evident  that  they  inherit  the  blood  of  the  noble  sons  of  F 
Happy  they  who  have  met  with  so  glorious  a  death  in  defending  the 
territory  bequeathed  to  them  by  their  fathers ! 

*  Finding  that  our  six-pounders  affected  little  on  the  enemy's  guns,  owing 
to  the  distance,  and  wishing  to  husband  our  men  and  means,  I  ordered  the 
firing  to  cease. — Major  Brown's  official  despatch  to  Gen.  Taylor. 

f  Upon  receiving  the  news  of  the  Mexican  operations  on  the  Rio  Grande, 
the  London  Times  of  15th  June,  has  the  following: — 

"  War  between  Mexico  and  the  United  States. — The  despatches  of  Gen.  Taylor 
are  remarkable  for  their  succinct  energy,  and  the  absence  of  those  verbose 
and  grandiloquent  strains  which  we  are  accustomed  to  meet  with  in  narra- 
tives of  American  exploits.  He  writes  like  a  man  of  sense,  skill,  and  courage  ; 
and  we  have  not  the  slightest  wish  to  detract  from  the  honors  he  has  gallantly 
earned  under  tlie  flag  of  his  country.  Whatever  opinion  we  may  entertain 
of  the  causes  of  this  war,  and  the  political  motives  in  which  it  originated,  the 
behaviour  of  the  American  general  and  his  troops  deserves  to  be  judged  of  by 
a  much  higher  standard  than  the  policy  of  the  government  which  it  is  their 
duty  to  serve.  The  conduct  of  the  Mexican  army  on  the  contrary,  demonstrates 
the  inability  of  that  government  to  protect  any  portion  of  its  dominions  from  in- 
vasion; and  it  degrades  the  descendants  of  the  Spanish  Americans  still  lower  in  the 
rank  of  nations." 


58  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

u  The  nation  with  which  we  are  at  war  is  most  savage  in  its  pro- 
ceedings ;  no  regard  being  paid  to  the  flags  of  friendly  nations :  even 
those  usages  and  customs  respected  by  civilised  nations,  to  divest  war 
of  some  of  its  horrors,  have  been  shamefully  disregarded.  The  enemy 
have  fired  red  shot  against  this  innocent  city,  and  we  publish  it  to 
the  world  in  proof  that,  "with  all  their  boasted  wisdom  and  liberty, 
they  are  unworthy  of  being  counted  among  enlightened  nations. 

"  His  excellency,  the  general-in-chief  of  the  Northern  Division,  and 
his  intrepid  soldiers,  are  ready  to  fight  the  enemy  in  any  numbers, 
and  we  are  certain  that  our  arms  will  be  successful ;  but  the  nation 
against  whom  we  have  to  contend  is  excessively  proud ;  and  it  is  also 
possessed  of  resources  which  may  perhaps  surpass  those  within  our 
reach.  Let  us  then  make  an  immense  effort  to  repel  their  aggressions. 
Let  us  contribute  everything  most  dear  to  us,  our  persons,  our  means, 
to  save  our  country  from  its  present  danger.  Let  us  oppose  to  the 
unbridled  ambition  of  the  Anglo-American,  that  patriotic  enthusiasm, 
so  peculiar  to  us.  Indeed,  we  need  only  follow  the  glorious  example 
of  Matamoros,  that  noble  city,  which  will  be  known  in  future  by  the 
name  of  Heroic.  Its  inhabitants  have  emulated  the  examples  of  Me- 
namia,  and  Sagintum ;  they  have  determined  to  die  at  the  foot  of  the 
eagle  of  Anahuac,  defend  their  fort  whilst  they  retain  the  breath  of 
life — this  plan  is  settled. — The  supreme  government  is  making  strenu- 
ous exertions  in  order  to  protect  the  territory  placed  under  its  care  by 
the  nation,  and  nothing  is  now  wanting  but  for  the  people  to  rush  in 
a  mass  to  the  frontier,  and  the  independence  of  Mexico  is  safe." 


CAPT.  MAY'S  RECONNOITRE.  59 


CHAPTER  VII. 

''Bombardment — Point  Isabel — Capt.  May  attempts  a  communication  with 
Fort  Brown — Incidents  connected  therewith — Major  Brown's  orders  to  his 
men — Appearance  of  the  enemy — Bombardment  resumed — Mexican  re- 
connoisance — Anecdote. 

THE  echoing  reports  of  the  cannon  that  opened  on  Fort  Brown 
reached  Point  Isabel :  they  were  listened  to  with  feelings  so  intense, 
that  our  soldiers  fairly  ceased  for  a  moment  to  breathe.  The  cannon- 
ade continued  hour  after  hour,  and  then  the  war  was  known  to  have 
commenced. 

Gen.  Taylor  was  anxious  to  know  how  well  the  fort  stood  the 
bombardment,  that  he  might  regulate  his  movements  according  to  the 
demand  circumstances  made  upon  him.  The  Mexicans  now  literally 
filled  the  country  between  the  point  and  the  fort :  to  communicate 
was  desperate  service.  A  command,  presumed  to  be  of  sufficient  force, 
was  selected  on  the  evening  of  the  3d,  to  attempt  the  wished-for 
communication.  Capt.  May,  with  one  hundred  men,  including  Capt. 
Walker  and  ten  of  his  Texian  rangers,  was  ordered  to  proceed  within 
six  or  eight  miles  of  Fort  Brown,  and  to  reconnoitre  the  country  on 
the  left  of  the  road  towards  the  Rio  Grande ;  then  to  take  a  position 
on  the  edge  of  the  chaparral  under  cover  of  the  night,  and  if  he  heard 
no  cannonading  of  the  fort,  to  send  in  a  small  detachment  under  Capt. 
Walker  to  communicate  with  Major  Brown,  and  wait  the  return  of  the 
command  thus  sent  in ;  then  to  proceed  to  the  position  reported  to 
have  been  taken  by  the  enemy,  examine  it,  and  obtain  their  strength, 
return  to  Point  Isabel,  examining  the  country  on  the  left  of  the  roa:l 
towards  the  San  Colorow,  and  under  no  circumstances  to  hazard  an 
engagement,  as  the  especial  service  he  was  on  wras  of  the  greatest  im- 
portance. 

Capt.  May  left  Point  Isabel  about  2  o'clock,  and  proceeded  a  few 
miles  on  his  route,  when  he  ordered  a  halt  until  dark.  He  then  went 
on,  and  came  in  sight  of  the  enemy's  camp  fires  about  9  o'clock.  The 


60  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

enemy  was  posted  in  a  position  formerly  occupied  by  our  own  armyj 
as  a  camp,  and  known  as  the  Palo  Jllio.  There  being  no  pickets  out, 
Capt.  May  leading  his  command,  by  cautiously  proceeding,  got  with- 
in half  a  mile  of  the  enemy's  front,  circling  them  until  he  brought  his ; 
party  between  the  enemy's  encampment  and  Fort  Brown.  He  then- 
protected  himself  and  command  from  observation  by  the  edge  of  the  j 
chaparral,  about  seven  miles  from  the  fort,  and  hearing  no  cannonad-J 
ing,  he  ordered  Capt.  Walker,  with  six  of  his  rangers,  to  proceed  thi-^ 
therward,  and  if  he  found  any  portion  of  the  Mexican  lines  near  thei 
fort,  to  examine  their  strength,  and,  if  possible,  to  fire  on  some  of  thej 
pickets,  to  give  notice  to  those  in  the  fort  that  an  effort  was  being' 
made  to  communicate  with  them.  If  successful,  he  was  to  inform \ 
Major  Brown,  that  Gen.  Taylor  had  ordered  Capt.  May  to  proceed  to] 
the  position  he  then  occupied,  as  he  had  heard  the  cannonading,  and 
then  to  send  Capt.  Walker  forward  to  learn  the  damage  done  the  fort, 
and  also,  if  its  commander  could  maintain  his  position ;  but  not  to  put 
his  information  in  writing,  it  being  considered  dangerous,  as  the  risk 
of  its  falling  into  the  enemy's  possession  was  so  very  great. 

Capt.  Walker  having  received  his  instructions,  proceeded  to  the  fort, 
which  he  reached  between  2  and  3  o'clock  in  the  morning.  On 
his  approach,  he  was  hailed  by  the  sentinel,  and  he  answered,  "  Capt. 
Walker  and  friends  from  Frontone."*  The  troops  of  the  fort  at  the 
time  were  lying  behind  the  parapets.  The  instant  Capt.  Walker  spoke 
his  voice  was  recognised  by  the  troops  as  that  of  a  friend.  The  sen- 
tinel replied,  "  Stand,  Capt.  Walker  and  friends  from  Fontone !"  and 
immediately  communicated  the  fact  to  the  officer  of  the  guard,  who 
communicated  the  same  to  the  commanding  officer  of  the  fort.  Major 
Brown  then  directed  that  the  commanding  officer  of  the  party  outside 
should  come  into  his  presence ;  but  that  his  armed  party  should  re- 
main outside  for  further  instructions.  The  instant  Capt.  Walker's 
voice  was  recognised,  an  officer  inside  the  fort  requested  him  to  move 
his  party  from  the  position  it  then  occupied,  because  the  place  where 
it  stood  was  singularly  exposed  to  the  bursting  of  the  shells  sent  from 
the  town,  as  it  was  directly  in  the  line  of  fire  of  the  sand-bag  fort  bat- 
tery. Capt.  Walker  did  as  directed,  and  a  guard  of  the  fort  then  took 

*  Frontone  is  used  by  most  of  the  Texinns  a<*  synonymous  with  Point  Isabel. 


ADVENTURES  OF  CAPTAINS  WALKER  AND  MAY.  61 

a  ladder,  let  it  down  into  the  ditch,  crossed  over  to  the  side  on  which 
Capt.  Walker  was  standing,  let  him  down  into  the  ditch,  and  then 
moved  the  ladder,  so  that  Capt.  Walker  was  received  into  the  fort,  and 
in  the  presence  of  Major  Brown. 

Capt.  Walker  communicated  his  instructions  to  Major  Brown,  and 
stating  where  he  had  left  Capt.  May  and  his  party,  he  requested  fresh 
horses,  that  he  might  meet  Capt.  May,  so  that  the  whole  party  might 
pass  the  enemy's  lines  before  daylight.  The  horses  were  furnished. 
Walker  and  his  party  left  the  fort  about  4  o'clock,  with  Major  Brown's 
communications,  and  proceeded  near  where  he  had  left  Capt.  May  and 
his  party,  but  found  they  had  gone,  and  that  the  Mexicans  were  pre- 
pared to  cut  off  his  return  to  Frontone.  He  then  returned  to  Fort 
Brown,  reaching  it  at  reveille,  saying,  that  "  the  game  was  blocked  on 
him  this  time,  but  that  he  would  give  the  Mexicans  another  turn  when 
it  was  dark." 

Capt.  May  and  command  had  remained  in  their  saddles  waiting  for 
the  return  of  Capt.  Walker,  until  about  half  an  hour  before  day,  when 
it  became  apparent  that  the  scouts  of  the  enemy  had  discovered  them ; 
and  as  Capt.  Walker  had  been  absent  six  hours,  Capt.  May  was  satis- 
fied he  had  met  with  some  difficulty  in  returning,  and  as  his  force 
was  not  strong  enough  to  engage  the  enemy,  and  as  his  orders  were 
peremptory  for  him  not  to  do  so,  Capt.  May  determined  to  return ;  in 
doing  which,  he  passed  down  the  enemy's  lines,  within  half  a  mile, 
at  a  brisk  gallop  over  the  open  prairie,  continuing  to  bear  to  the 
main  road  leading  to  Point  Isabel.  When  within  twelve  miles  of  the 
point,  Capt.  May  found  opposing  him,  across  his  road,  near  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  of  the  enemy's  lancers. — Forming  into  line,  he  charged 
them  and  drove  them  towards  the  left  and  towards  their  own  camp, 
pursuing  them  nearly  three  miles  on  jaded  horses.  Finding  he 
could  not  come  up  with  the  enemy,  and  fearing  an  ambuscade,  he 
wheeled  his  squadron  about,  and  proceeded  to  Point  Isabel,  reaching 
that  place  about  9  o'clock. 

Capt.  W^alker  and  command  remained  at  Fort  Brown  throughout  the 
day.  Immediately  after  dark,  he  started  from  the  fort  with  his  party, 
and  proceeded  on  to  Frontone,  and  by  his  superior  knowledge  of  the 
country  avoided  the  enemy  who  were  everywhere  in  his  pathway,  and 
using  every  means  to  cut  off  his  return ;  they  being,  as  it  afterwards 


62  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


appeared,  well  aware  of  his  office  of  messenger.  Capt.  Walker  and 
command  reached  Gen.  Taylor  in  safety,  and  brought  the  glorious 
news  that  Major  Brown  could  maintain  his  position  with  such  officers 
and  men  as  were  with  him,  against  any  force  the  enemy  could  bring 
against  him. 

Major  Brown,  finding  that  the  storming  of  the  fort  was  not  to  be  im- 
mediately attempted,  allowed  his  men  stationed  at  the  exposed  parts 
of  the  parapets,  to  step  down  from  their  assigned  places,  but  to  remain 
near  and  opposite,  and  ready  to  spring  into  them  at  a  moment's  warn- 
ing. On  the  evening  of  the  4th.,  soon  after  Capt.  Walker  left,  the  firing 
of  musketry  was  heard  in  the  rear  of  the  fort,  and  within  three  or  four 
hundred  yards  distance.  It  was  supposed  the  Mexicans  intended  an 
assault.  The  garrison  was  immediately  under  arms,  the  batteries  and 
defences  all  manned,  and  so  continued  during  the  night. 

At  dawn  of  the  morning  of  the  5th,  large  parties  of  the  enemy  were 
discovered  in  the  rear  of  the  fort,  both  horse  and  foot.  Their  left  rested 
on  a  point  of  the  river  below  the  fort ;  their  right  on  a  point  above,  at 
least  a  mile  distant.  This  immense  force  of  thousands  was  supported 
by  a  battery  that  had  been  erected  in  the  night,  and  which  was  named, 
after  it  opened  on  Fort  Brown,  the  "  Battery  in  the  Country."  This 
battery,  with  those  of  Matamoros,  opened  at  5  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon, and  kept  up  a  galling  crossfire  of  shot  and  shell,  for  about  one 
hour.  The  firing  was  replied  to  by  our  eighteen,  and  six-pound  howit- 
zer batteries,  placed  in  embrasures  on  the  south-east  bastion.  The  bat- 
teries on  both  sides  ceased  firing  simultaneously.  About  two  hours 
after  this,  a  Mexican  by  the  name  of  Valdez,  presented  himself  at  the 
gate  of  the  fort  and  was  admitted.  He  stated  that  a  party  of  American 
dragoons  had  been  driven  back  to  Point  Isabel,  (a  Mexican's  account, 
probably,  of  May's  return  to  that  place  on  the  morning  of  the  4th,) 
and  also  that  a  party  had  been  driven  into  the  fort,  (Walker's  party, 
which  attempted  to  communicate  with  Capt.  May.)  The  Mexican  also 
said  that  Arista's  troops  were  becoming  dissatisfied,  and  were  desert- 
ing in  great  numbers,  and  that  another  revolution  had  broken  out  in 
Mexico. 

At  9  o'clock  several  Mexican  officers,  escorted  by  a  party  of  cavalry, 
commenced  a  reconnoisance  within  eight  hundred  yards  of  the  fort, 
while  large  bodies  of  mounted  men  and  infantry  were  deployed  in 


BOMBARDMENT  OF  FORT  BROWN.          63 


sight.  Lieut.  Hanson,  with  a  high  degree  of  bravery,  asked  permis- 
sion of  Major  Brown  to  take  the  dragoons,  and  return  the  reconnoi- 
sance  at  closer  view;  his  request  was  granted,  and  he  and  his  little 
party  gallanty  issued  from  the  fort  into  the  open  plain  occupied  by 
thousands  of  the  enemy.  He  rode  with  great  boldness  up  near  where 
they  were  busy  establishing  a  battery,  at  the  cross  roads,  behind 
which  they  precipitately  retreated  on  his  appearance.  After  an  ab- 
sence of  an  hour,  Lieut.  Hanson  returned,  reporting  the  erection  of 
this  new  battery.  In  the  meanwhile  our  men  were  hard  at  work 
strengthening  the  defences.  The  enemy  took  possession  of  Gen. 
Taylor's  encampment,  that  he  abandoned  on  the  1st,  and  placed  their 
guards  along  the  ditches  he  had  thrown  up  for  its  defence. 

On  Wednesday  morning,  before  the  sun  had  fairly  risen,  a  spirited 
fire  was  commenced  from  the  lower  fort  and  mortar  battery.  This 
continued  about  one  hour,  the  shot  and  shell  being  well  directed, 
burst  in  every  direction  within  the  fort,  tearing  the  tents  to  pieces, 
and  wounding  many  of  the  dragoon  horses.  The  immense  size  of 
the  field  work,  and  the  few  troops  left  to  defend  it,  although  its  weak- 
ness in  case  of  an  assault,  was  its  strength  in  this  bombardment,  for 
there  were  no  crowds  of  living  men  for  the  shells  to  burst  among. 
The  cannonading  now  became  a  source  of  considerable  merriment 
with  many  of  the  soldiers,  who  were  obliged  to  sit  idly  by  and  wit- 
ness its  progress,  for  the  scarcity  of  ammunition  within  the  fort  would 
not  allow  the  fire  to  be  returned,  as  it  was  deemed  prudent  to  reserve 
the  small  stock  until  an  assault  was  made.  The  following  anecdote 
is  characteristic  of  the  spirit  of  the  inmates  of  the  fort  at  this  time. 
An  old  soldier,  who  prided  himself  upon  the  goodness  of  his  coffee, 
and  the  military  precision  with  which  he  served  out  the  morning 
beverage,  was  busy  making  some  for  his  mess.  He  had  just  com- 
pleted the  operation,  and  was  stooping  over  to  pour  it  into  the  cups 
of  his  mess,  when  a  ball  whizzed  over  the  parapet,  struck  in  the  ashes 
near  him,  and  overturned  his  refreshment  into  the  fire.  The  soldier- 
cook  gave  the  ball  a  kick,  exclaiming  at  the  same  time,  in  a  most 

dolorous  voice,  "  There !  those Mexicans  have  knocked  over 

my  coiTee." 

When  Gen.  Taylor  left  for  Point  Isabel  he  gave  his  orders  to  Major 
Brown.  They  were,  that  he  must  maintain  his  post,  and  on  no  ac- 


64  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


count  risk  his  position  by  making  a  sally ;  and  that,  in  case  he  was 
surrounded,  he  must  inform  him,  by  firing  at  stated  intervals  the  eigh- 
teen-pounders,  which  could  be  heard  at  Point  Isabel.  The  fort  was 
now  surrounded,  as  Gen.  Taylor  had  anticipated,  and  accordingly,  at 
half  past  six,  the  signal  eighteen-pounders  were  fired,  at  which  the 
enemy,  as  if  conscious  that  their  reverberations  were  calling  for  relief, 
re-opened  their  two  mortar  and  howitzer  batteries  in  Matamoros,  and 
a  mortar  at  the  cross  roads  in  the  rear  of  the  fort. 


BOMBARDMENT  OF  FORT  BROWN.          65 


CHAPTER   VIII 

Gen.  Taylor's  orders  to  Major  Brown — Signal  eigli teen-pounders — Bomb- 
proof shelters — Manner  of  escaping  from  the  bursting  shells— Anecdote 
of  a  dodger — Mexican  on  the  look  out — Major  Brown  mortally  wounded — 
White  flag — Correspondence  between  Gen.  Arista  and  Capt.  Hawkins — 
Infantry  attack — Bombardment  at  night — Mexicans  fired  into— New  bat- 
teries opened — Interference  with  music — Mexican  forlorn  hope — Excite- 
ment in  Fort  Brown — Distant  cannonading — Anticipations. 

IT  will  ever  be  a  matter  of  surprise  that  so  little  damage  was  done 
to  Fort  Brown  and  its  inmates,  by  this  severe  and  continued  bombard- 
ment. The  magazine  of  the  fort  was  very  small,  and  the  great  mass 
of  the  military  stores  of  the  army  was  still  at  Point  Isabel.  It  was, 
therefore,  properly  resolved  by  the  officers  in  command,  to  expend  no 
ammunition  that  did  not  "  positively  tell,"  reserving  it  for  the  con- 
stantly expected  assault,  which  the  enemy  seemed  preparing  for,  and 
which  was  looked  forward  to  by  those  within  the  fort,  as  a  relief  to 
the  monotony  of  the  bombardment.  Acting  upon  the  principle  of 
saving  powder,  after  it  was  discovered  that  the  enemy's  batteries  could 
not  be  dismounted,  they  being  sunk  in  the  ground,  with  thick  em- 
bankments iii  front,  the  soldiers  were  ordered  to  make  temporary 
bomb-proof  shelters,  which  was  done  by  taking  barrels  of  pork  for 
the  walls,  and  across  which  were  laid  sticks,  the  whole  covered  over 
with  several  feet  of  earth.  The  bomb  proofs  were  built  at  points  con- 
venient for  the  men  when  at  their  stations.  The  different  Mexican  bat- 
teries were  named,  and  when  the  smoke  of  the  discharge  met  the  eye 
of  the  sentinel  on  the  look  out,  he  would  say,  "  sand-bag  fort  battery ;" 
the  men  would  then  retreat  into  the  bomb  proof  protecting  them  from 
this  particular  battery.  So  also,  if  "  the  lower  fort  battery,"  "  the 
battery  in  the  country,"  or  "  the  mortar  battery,"  was  called  out.  If 
a  shell  was  coming,  which  was  easily  distinguished  from  a  solid  ball 
by  its  fuse,  the  soldiers  would  fall  on  their  faces,  and  the  otherwise 
deadly  messenger  would  harmlessly  explode  upwards  into  the  air,  and 
meet  with  nothing  to  resist  its  force.  One  tall  private  expressed  great 
indignation  at  being  ordered  to  run  away  from  the  shot  and  shell, 

5 


66  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


saying,  that  he  did  not  like  to  run  from  any  thing.  He  finally  went 
to  his  commanding  officer,  and  asked  to  be  excused  from  dodging  the 
shot.  This  permission  was  granted,  and  a  moment  after,  whiz  came 
a  shell  over  the  parapet,  and  down  went  the  private's  head.  A  general 
laugh  ensued,  but  our  dodger  got  out  of  the  difficulty  by  saying,  that 
he  did  not  consider  it  safe  to  stand  up  against  that  particular  shell. 

Near  the  mortar  battery  of  the  Mexicans  was  an  unusually  tall  tree. 
The  moment  their  batteries  opened  on  the  fort,  an  eagle-eyed  fellow, 
with  a  spy  glass  in  his  hand,  would  ascend  this  tree,  to  gloat  over  the 
prowess  of  the  Mexican  arms,  and  every  time  he  saw  the  men  fall  to 
avoid  the  shell,  he  would  report  them  as  being  killed  by  its  explosion. 
So  it  looked  to  him.  In  this  way  reports  were  circulated  in  Matamo- 
ros  that  our  men  were  falling  in  scores,  and  a  rough  calculation  was 
made,  to  ascertain  how  long  a  time  would  elapse  before  all  the  de- 
fenders of  the  fort  would  be  destroyed,  for  the  thousands  that  com- 
posed Arista's  army  intended,  when  that  time  arrived,  to  make  an 
assault. 

After  the  cross  firing,  called  forth  with  so  much  energy  by  our 
signal  eighteen-pounders,  had  continued  for  three  hours  and  a  half, 
the  noble-minded  Major  Brown,  commander  of  the  fort,  with  his  ad- 
jutant lieutenant  by  his  side,  took  his  usual  round  to  see  that  officers 
and  men  were  at  their  posts.  He  stopped  for  a  moment  to  give  direc- 
tions to  some  of  the  soldiers  who  were  busily  employed  at  one  of 
the  bomb  proofs.  Every  instant  the  men  were  engaged  in  dodging,  to 
avoid  the  ball  and  bursting  shell.  One  of  the  latter,  from  "  the  bat- 
tery in  the  country,"  struck  in  the  parapet,  burying  itself  in  the  sand 
without  exploding ;  a  cloud  of  dust  rose  into  the  air,  amid  which  the 
gallant  commander  was  seen  to  fall,  mortally  wounded.  He  was  im- 
mediately taken  to  the  hospital  tent,  and  while  being  borne  in  the 
arms  of  two  of  his  men,  he  exhorted  those  about  him  never  to  give 
up  the  fort.  His  right  leg  had  been  shot  off,  exhibiting  the  torn  mus- 
cles, and  jagged  crushed  bones,  to  the  pained  sight  of  his  command. 
Although  suffering  the  most  excruciating  torture,  he  remained  per- 
fectly calm,  and  said  to  those  who  were  sympathisingly  standing 
about  him  :  "  Men,  go  to  your  duties,  stand  by  your  posts ;  I  am  but 
one  among  you."  While  suffering  under  the  operation  of  having  his 
leg  amputated  above  the  knee,  which  was  most  skilfully  done,  he  con- 


BOMBARDMENT  OF  FORT  BROWN.          67 

gratulated  his  country  that  the  misfortune  had  befallen  him,  and  not 
been  meted  out  to  a  younger  man. 

At  this  time  large  parties  of  infantry  were  seen  in  the  rear  of  the 
fort,  a  portion  of  which  endeavored  to  get  near  enough  to  use  their 
muskets  with  effect;  in  this,  however,  they  were  unsuccessful. 
Mounted  men  were  also  seen  with  the  infantry.  But  a  few  rounds  of 
canister  from  Lieut.  Lowd's  battery  soon  dispersed  them,  killing  seve- 
ral, as  was  afterwards  shown.  The  bombardment  now  grew,  if  pos- 
sible, more  severe  than  ever ;  a  continued  shower  of  shell  whizzed 
overhead,  bursting  in  the  fort,  tearing  up  the  earth,  and  destroying 
every  thing  that  offered  opposition.  At  noon  the  firing  ceased  until 
2  o'clock,  when  a  few  shells  were  thrown. 

At  half  past  four,  a  parley  was  sounded  by  the  enemy,  and  two 
Mexican  officers,  bearing  a  white  flag,  advanced  towards  the  fort,  and 
when  within  two  hundred  and  fifty  yards,  were  signalled  to  halt. 
Capt.  Hawkins,  who  succeeded  Major  Brown  in  the  command  of  the 
fort,  directed  Major  Sewell  and  Lieut.  Britton  to  go  out,  and  receive  any 
communication  the  Mexicans  might  have  to  make.  This  was  accord- 
ingly done,  and  a  communication  from  Gen.  Arista  to  the  commander 
of  the  fort  was  handed  to  Major  Sewell,  who  requested  the  Mexican 
officers  to  retire  to  a  short  distance,  and  there  await  an  answer.  This 
message  was  given  to  Capt.  Hawkins,  and  was  as  follows : 

EJERCITO  MEXICAXO,  DIVISION  DEI  NORTE, •> 
General  en  Gefe.  3 

Se  halla  V.  S.  sitiado  por  fuerzas  sufficientes  a  rendirla  y  ademas  se 
encuentra  a  su  espalda  una  numerosa  division  encampada  que  libre  de 
toda  atencion,  valdra  cuantcs  auxilios  tenga  V.  S.  esperanzas  de  recibir. 

El  amor  de  la  humanidad  reconocido  en  el  siglo  presente  por  todas 
las  naciones  cultas,  impone  sin  duda  el  deber  de  hacer  menos  crueles 
los  desastres  de  la  guerra. 

Este  principio  que  los  Mejicanos  profesan  con  preferencia  a  cual- 
quiera  otra  nacion,  me  obliga  a  indicarle  que  siendo  inutiles  sus  esfu- 
erzos,  se  rinda,  para  que  por  una  capitulation  evite  la  total  ruina  de 
los  soldados  que  la  obedecen. 

Asi  me  proporcionara  V.  S.  el  placer  de  cumplir  con  los  sentimi- 
entos  indicados  de  bondad  y  dulzura  que  forman  el  caracter  de  mis 


68  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

compatriotes,  a  la  vez  que  dare  lleno  al  mas  imperioso  de  los  deberes 
que  mi  pais  exige,  por  las  ofensas  que  ha  recibido. 

Dios  y  Libertad ! 

CUARTEL  GENERAL  EN  LOS  FAN  QUE  s  DEL  RAMINERO,  Mayo  0,  de  1846. 

M.  ARISTA.* 

There  can  be  no  doubt  that  Gen.  Arista  thought  that  the  bombard- 
ment was  doing  great  damage  to  the  soldiers  in  the  fort ;  indeed,  it 
seemed  impossible  that  it  could  be  otherwise,  but  his  declaration  that 
"  the  Mexicans  observe,  above  all  other  nations,"  the  claims  of  hu- 
manity acknowledged  in  all  enlightened  countries,  was,  at  this  time, 
most  singular  hypocrisy,  even  for  Mexicans,  for  he  knew,  (as  the 
Americans  afterwards  learned,)  that  in  his  ranks  was  a  "  forlorn  hope," 
commissioned  by  solemn  rites  to  murder  the  soldiers  in  the  fort,  as 
soon  as  they  surrendered. 

Upon  reading  Gen.  Arista's  letter,  which  the  bearers  stated  would 
be  answered  in  one  hour,  Capt.  Hawkins  deemed  its  contents,  (though 
imperfectly  understood  for  want  of  an  interpreter  thoroughly  versed 
in  the  Spanish,)  of  sufficient  importance  to  convoke  a  council,  con- 
sisting of  all  the  commissioned  officers  in  his  command,  and  place 
the  letter  before  them.  The  spirit  of  the  message  was  understood 
to  be  a  proposal  for  the  surrender  of  the  fort.  Capt.  Hawkins  said 
that  he  knew  there  was  but  one  sentiment  on  that  point,  but  he 
deemed  it  right  that  all  the  officers  should  be  represented  in  the  reply. 

*  Translation. 

MEXICAN  ARMY,  DIVISION  OF  THE  NORTH,  > 
General-in-Chief.  | 

You  are  besieged  by  forces  sufficient  to  take  you ;  and  there  is,  moreover,  a 
numerous  division  encamped  near  you,  which,  free  from  all  other  cares,  will 
keep  off  any  succors  which  you  may  expect  to  receive. 

The  respect  for  humanity,  acknowledged  at  the  present  age  by  all  civilised 
nations,  doubtless  imposes  upon  me  the  duty  of  mitigating  the  disasters  of  war. 

This  principle,  which  Mexicans  observe  above  all  other  nations,  obliges  me 
to  summon  you,  as  all  your  efforts  will  be  useless,  to  surrender,  in  order  to 
avoid,  by  a  capitulation,  the  entire  destruction  of  all  the  soldiers  under  your 
command. 

You  will  thus  afford  me  the  pleasure  of  complying  with  the  mild  and  bene- 
volent wishes  above  expressed,  which  distinguish  the  character  of  my  coun- 
trymen, whilst  I  at  the  same  time  fulfil  the  most  imperious  of  the  duties 
which  my  country  requires  for  the  offences  committed  against  it. 

God  and  Liberty ! 

HKAD  QUARTERS  AT  TUB  FANQ.UES  DEL  RAMINERO,  May  Gth,  1846. 

M.  ARISTA. 


CAPT.  HAWKINS'  LETTER  TO  GEN.  ARISTA.  69 

The  vote  of  the  youngest  officer  was  then  taken,  and  so  with  the 
others  in  succession.  The  vote  was  unanimous ;  it  was  to  defend  the 
fort  to  the  death.  The  following  reply  was  therefore  prepared  and 
despatched  to  Gen.  Arista  within  the  allotted  hour. 

HEAD  QUARTERS  U.  S.  FORCES, 

Near  Matamoros,  May  6,  1846,  5  P.  M. 

SIR  : — Your  humane  communication  has  just  been  received,  and, 
after  the  consideration  due  to  its  importance,  I  must  respectfully  de- 
cline to  surrender  my  forces  to  you. 

The  exact  purport  of  your  despatch  I  cannot  feel  confident  that  I 
understood,  as  my  interpreter  is  not  skilled  in  your  language ;  but  if  I 
have  understood  you  correctly,  you  have  my  reply  above. 

I  am,  sir,  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

E.  S.  HAWKINS. 

Commanding  U.  S.  Forces  opposite  Matamoros. 
Gen.  31.  ARISTA, 

Commanding  Division  of  the  Norih. 

The  Mexicans,  upon  receiving  Capt.  Hawkins'  communication, 
opened  the  batteries  with  more  zeal  than  ever ;  shell,  six  and  four- 
pound  ball  were  literally  showered  into  the  fort,  for  the  men  at  these 
hostile  guns  had  acquired  precision  by  long  practice.  Those  at  whom 
these  deadly  missiles  were  aimed,  were  compelled,  from  want  of 
powder,  to  look  sullenly  on,  and  no  reply  was  made,  except  the  mut- 
terings  of  defiance  in  the  rustling  folds  of  the  star-spangled  banner, 
that  still  proudly  waved  unharmed,  and  against  which  this  iron  storm 
was  principally  directed.  Towards  sundown  the  regimental  colors 
were  displayed.  This  called  forth  discharges  of  musketry  from  them 
at  eight  hundred  yards  distance. 

So  closed  this  most  eventful  day, — a  day  of  most  exciting  interest. 
The  sentinels  marched  their  silent  rounds,  while  men  and  officers  at 
their  posts,  stole  snatches  of  sleep  while  resting  upon  their  arms,  and 
expecting  every  moment  to  hear  the  rushing  cry  that  presages  the 
deadly  assault,  and  which  was  now  more  than  ever  expected. 

The  appearance  presented  by  the  bombardment  at  night  must  have 
been  singularly  grand.  As  the  shells  rose  into  the  air,  the  burning 
fuses  gave  them  the  appearance  of  fiery  comets,  and  at  times  so  rapidly 


70  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

did  they  fly,  that  streams  of  seemingly  continuous,  hissing  light,  formed 
magnificent  arches  from  the  Mexican  batteries  to  our  fort,  where  they 
found  a  common  centre.  The  continued  reverberations  of  the  heavy 
discharges,  the  constant  explosion  of  shells,  the  sheeted  flame  from 
the  mortars  and  howitzers,  that  in  the  darkness  of  night  seemed 
bursting  volcanoes,  formed  a  picture  of  war  at  once  sublime  and 
terrible. 

With  the  morning  light  of  the  7th  the  enemy's  batteries  recom- 
menced, but  after  pouring  into  the  fort  a  large  number  of  shot  and 
shell,  they  suddenly  ceased.  About  half  past  7  o'clock  a  large  num- 
ber of  Mexicans  were  discovered  in  and  around  the  Fanques  del  Ret- 
minero,  and  the  houses  formerly  occupied  by  the  guards  of  our  Second 
brigade.  Several  rounds  of  canister  and  grape  were  fired  into  them, 
which  caused  them  to  make  a  precipitate  retreat  after  throwing  a  few 
shell  in  return.  The  Mexicans  had  heretofore  used  shell  made  of 
bronze,  they  now  used  iron,  which  they  fired  at  intervals  until  noon. 
It  was  at  this  time  discovered  that  the  mortar  battery  in  the  rear  of  the 
fort,  had  been  removed  to  the  city  of  Matamoros.  About  noon  some 
shell  were  thrown,  which  killed  four  of  Lieut.  Bragg's  horses,  and  broke 
the  wheel  of  one  of  his  caissons.  Soon  after  all  their  batteries  opened, 
and  kept  up  a  steady  firing  of  round  shot  and  shell,  which  continued 
for  nearly  two  hours.  By  one  of  these  discharges,  the  sentinel  lost 
his  arm,  but  the  bomb  proofs  were  so  far  advanced  that  the  men  were 
comparatively  protected.  Random  shots  were  now  fired  from  under 
the  bank  of  the  river,  and  the  rear  of  the  fort;  it  was  evidently  the 
determination  of  the  besiegers  to  give  our  men  no  rest,  and  induce 
them  to  expend  all  their  ammunition,  our  deserters  having  informed 
them  that  there  was  little  in  the  fort.  Orders  had  been  given  to  return 
no  firing  more  than  eighty  yards  distant,  and  as  the  Mexicans  never 
approached  to  within  twice  that  distance,  they  elicited  no  reply. 

At  half  past  two  a  regular  bombardment  commenced  from  all  the 
batteries,  howitzers,  and  mortars,  which  continued  without  intermis- 
sion until  sunset.  During  this  time  a  shell  struck  one  of  the  tents, 
and  entered  a  chest  containing  the  instruments  of  the  band  belonging 
to  the  Seventh  Regiment.  These  were  entirely  destroyed,  and  scat- 
tered in  pieces  about  the  fort.  A  barrel  of  molasses  was  similarly 
assaulted,  much  to  the  astonishment  of  the  commissary,  who  saw  the 


BOMBARDMENT  CONTINUED.  71 


treacle  thus  divided  out  in  a  manner  contrary  to  all  "  army  regula- 
tions," and  the  rules  of  the  mess. 

Such  precision  in  firing  had  the  enemy  now  acquired,  that  in  this 
bombardment  of  six  hours'  duration,  more  than  half  of  their  shot  and 
shell  were  thrown  in  the  fort. 

At  dark,  the  indefatigable  Capt.  Mansfield,  with  a  small  party,  left  the 
fort,  and  levelled  the  traverse  thrown  up  by  our  troops  when  they  first 
arrived  on  the  banks  of  the  river,  and  also  cut  down  a  large  quantity 
of  chaparral  that  served  at  times  to  cover  the  "  sharp  shooters"  of  the 
enemy.  Every  thing  after  this  remained  quiet  until  midnight  Each 
man  was  at  his  post,  and  anxiously  awaiting  the  assault,  when  the 
stillness  was  broken  by  volleys  of  musketry,  and  bugles  "sounding 
the  charge."  The  firing  then  ceased,  but  in  a  short  time  recom- 
menced, and  continued  until  daylight. 

On  the  afternoon  of  this  day,  in  the  plaza  of  the  city  of  Matamoras, 
was  drawn  up  a  body  of  infantry,  denominated  the  "  forlorn  hope," 
whose  duty  it  was  to  lead  at  midnight  the  assault  on  the  fort.  To 
nerve  them  for  the  work,  every  passion  was  appealed  to,  and  every 
prejudice  consulted, — and  it  was  urged  that  large  numbers  of  the  sol- 
diers of  the  fort  had  been  killed,  and  that  those  living  must  be  worn 
down  and  exhausted,  it  was  therefore  a  most  favorable  time  for  an 
attack.  Midnight  came — volleys  of  musketry  were  fired,  and  the  bugles 
sounded  the  charge,  but — the  brave  defenders  of  Fort  Brown  were 
undisturbed  in  their  vigilance  under  the  parapets  of  the  fort. 

If  the  enemy's  batteries  had  been  quiet  for  want  of  solar  heat,  they 
could  not  have  commenced  more  punctually  at  sunrise  than  they  did 
on  the  morning  of  the  8th.  For  three  hours,  without  cessation,  the 
"  lower  fort,"  and  "  sand-bag  battery,"  poured  forth  a  continuous 
storm  of  shot  and  shell,  notwithstanding  which,  a  little  party  ventured 
from  the  fort,  and  succeeded  in  burning  some  houses  which  stood 
near  the  banks  of  the  river.  At  noon  the  bombardment  was  resumed, 
and  kept  up  about  two  hours.  Many  of  the  soldiers  began  to  show 
symptoms  of  being  worn  down  with  hard  labour  and  watching ;  na- 
ture was  becoming  exhausted,  they  grew  indifferent  about  the  explo- 
ding shells,  and  listlessly  let  them  burst  in  dangerous  proximity  of 
their  persons.  The  heavy  bombardment  had  hardly  ceased,  when  a 
severe  cannonading  was  heard  towards  Point  Isabel;  so  sudden 


72  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

did  it  commence,  and  so  rapidly  was  it  carried  on,  that  it  seemed 
like  one  continued  volley  of  field  pieces.  The  soldiers  in  the  fort 
sprang  as  one  man  to  their  feet,  and  listened.  The  sounds  of  artillery 
continued  to  roll  on  the  plain ;  a  simultaneous  shout  rose  from  the 
men  in  the  fort,  that  must  have  sounded  in  Matamoros  more  terribly 
than  our  severest  cannonade,  for  it  must  have  told  the  people  there 
that  those  in  the  fort  believed  that  Gen.  Taylor  was  on  the  advance 
from  Point  Isabel.  The  enemy  felt  that  shout,  for  there  immediately 
commenced  a  severer  bombardment  than  the  fort  had  yet  sustained; 
and  a  new  mortar  battery  having  been  opened  across  the  river,  west 
of  the  fort,  made  four  playing  upon  it  from  different  points  at  the 
same  time. 

But  our  soldiers  were  now  active,  and  they  could  scarce  suppress 
their  feelings ;  for  amidst  ball  and  bomb  pouring  into  the  fort,  they 
could,  hour  after  hour,  hear  that  distant  cannonading,  growing  more 
and  more  distinct.  It  was  too  much.  Gen.  Taylor  was  surely  driving 
the  enemy  before  them,  and  in  despite  of  the  deadly  missiles  that  rat- 
tled as  a  storm  of  hail  over  the  fort,  the  men  sprang  upon  the  para- 
pets, and  fairly  silenced  the  thunder  of  the  bombardment  with  their 
repeated  cheers. 

The  enemy's  cavalry  and  infantry  were  seen  above  and  below  the 
fort  crossing  the  river  in  masses,  supposed  for  the  purpose  of  rein- 
forcing the  enemy.  At  7  o'clock  the  bombardment  ceased,  the  fort 
having  received  through  the  day  three  hundred  shot  and  shell,  with 
comparatively  little  injury. 

As  the  sun  was  setting  a  Mexican  was  seen  running  towards  the 
fort  with  a  flag.  He  stated  that  news  had  been  received  that  our  forces 
had  come  in  contact  with  the  enemy,  and  had  driven  them  back  towards 
Matamoros.  He  also  stated  that  he  was  a  prisoner  in  charge  of  the 
Mexican  picket  guard  fired  upon  by  the  fort  the  evening  previous,  and 
that  while  they  were  carrying  off  the  wounded  and  dead  occasioned 
by  the  discharge,  he  had  escaped.  The  inmates  of  the  fort  were  now 
under  the  most  pleasing  yet  intense  excitement.  They  all  felt  that 
victory  would  perch  upon  the  standard  of  their  brave  companions  in 
the  field,  and  that  a  brilliant  era  was  advancing  upon  "  the  Army  of 
Occupation." 


MARCH  TO  PALO  ALTO.  73 


CHAPTER   IX. 

The  army  leaves  Point  Isabel — Encamps  for  the  night — Plains  of  the  Palo 
Alto — Preliminaries  of  battle — Lieut.  Blake's  reconnoisance — Battle  of  the 
8th  commences — Churchill's  batteries — Ringgold's  batteries — Duncan's  bat- 
teries— Mexican  charge — Repulse — Ridge Jy's  batteries — Ringgold's — Dun- 
can's— The  prairie  on  fire — Action  suspended. 

Ox  the  evening  of  the  7th,  Gen.  Taylor,  with  a  force  of  little  over 
two  thousand  men,  left  Point  Isabel  for  Fort  Brown.  Leaving  the 
point  under  the  command  of  Major  Munroe,  Gen.  Taylor  had  with 
him,  besides  his  troops,  a  train  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  wagons,  loaded 
with  stores.  The  coming  night  the  army  bivouacked  seven  miles 
from  the  point.  Its  march  was  resumed  early  the  following  morning. 
About  noon  our  advanced  guard  reported  the  enemy  were  drawn  up 
in  front,  to  oppose  the  progress  of  the  army.  The  long  "  train"  wag 
immediately  parked,  the  main  body  of  our  troops  continuing  to  ad- 
vance. 

The  moment  so  ardently  wished  for  by  our  troops  was  evidently 
approaching,  and  the  prospect  of  meeting  the  enemy,  though  of  a  force 
so. superior  to  their  own,  flushed  with  pleasure  every  soldier's  cheek. 
Though  they  had  languished  with  the  fatigues  of  a  severe  march,  and 
the  brackish  water  of  the  prairies  stimulated,  rather  than  allayed  thirst, 
yet  the  mass  now  moved  with  accelerated  speed ;  significant  glances 
passed  between  brother  officers,  and  the  privates,  in  unsuppressed  feel- 
ing, showed  their  anxiety  to  engage  in  the  conflict. 

In  the  midst  of  this  excitement,  an  officer  passed  to  the  rear,  bear- 
ing the  news  that  the  enemy  had  withdrawn  his  advance,  leaving  the 
surmise  that  they  had  retreated.  The  beaming  face  and  accelerated 
step  of  the  soldier  disappeared.  The  wagons  were  again  put  in  mo- 
tion, and  with  slow  pace  progressed  another  mile.  The  country  now 
began  to  open  into  prairie.  On  the  right  and  left  of  the  American  line 
were  seen  ponds  of  fresh  water,  and  immediately  beyond  them,  cha- 
parral. In  front  opened  a  broad  plain  of  three  miles  in  extent,  bounded 
by  Palo  Alto,  or  dwarfish  mosquite  trees,  that  struggled  through  the 


74  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  PjO  GRANDE. 

thickets,  and  overtopped,  by  a  few  feet  only,  the  thorn  and  prickly 
pear  with  which  they  were  surrounded.  Word  now  came  back  from 
the  advance  guard,  that  upon  this  prairie  were  the  enemy  drawn  up. 
The  train  was  brought  into  a  solid  square,  and  our  little  army  then 
advanced  with  buoyant  step,  until  the  heads  of  its  narrow  columns 
reached  the  open  prairie. 

A  scene  singularly  thrilling  and  sublime,  now  presented  itself — a 
scene  such  as  was  never  before  witnessed  in  warlike  operations.  Two 
contending  armies  had  met  upon  a  battle  field  formed  by  an  American 
prairie.  Not  a  shrub,  not  the  slightest  hillock  or  artificial  embank- 
ment of  any  kind  intervened  to  offer  protection,  or  give  to  either  party 
advantage  over  the  other.  This  battle-plain  was  broad  enough  for  the 
most  extensive  operations,  while  the  respective  commanders  could 
look  over  their  troops  in  the  contest,  as  upon  a  moving  panorama. 

Our  soldiers  glanced  across  this  richly  carpeted  prairie,  and  saw  ex- 
tended before  them  the  Mexican  host.  In  its  rear  was  just  discerni- 
ble the  wiry-limbed  "  tall  timber"  that  has  given  name  to  the  plain. 
Upon  the  extreme  right  was  placed  a  division  of  Mexican  cavalry,  that, 
from  the  perfect  level  of  the  country,  seemed  to  tower  over  the  sur- 
rounding landscape.  Their  sharp  lances  were  erect,  upon  which  hung 
glittering  pennants,  as  if  in  bitter  mockery  of  their  office.  Next  was 
placed  the  artillery ;  then  heavy  masses  of  infantry,  their  burnished 
muskets  glittering  in  the  sun,  and  jets  ol  light  playing  with  terrible 
significance  upon  their  bayonet  points.  Artillery,  infantry,  and  cavalry 
were  placed  alternately,  the  whole  forming  a  living  wall  more  than  a 
mile  in  extent,  of  physical  strength,  of  steel,  and  latent  fire.  The  me- 
ridian sun  poured  down  its  rays  upon  breasts  heaving  with  pent-up 
emotions  and  fierce  passions,  soon  to  be  called  forth  in  deadly  strife. 
Six  thousand  men  stood  there  in  battle  array. 

The  gallant  little  American  army  saw  this  front  with  eyes  flashing 
with  enthusiasm,  and  a  proud  consciousness  of  coming  victory.  At 
the  sight,  the  regimental  colors  were  stripped  of  their  coverings,  and 
amidst  deafening  cheers  unfurled  in  defiance,  and  thrown  to  the 
breeze. 

The  line  of  battle  was  now  formed  in  the  following  order,  com- 
mencing on  the  extreme  right : — Fifth  Infantry,  commanded  by  Lieut. 
Col.  M'Intosh;  Major  Ringgold's  Artillery;  Third  Infantry,  com- 


. 


BATTLE  ARRAY  AT  PALO  ALTO. 

manded  by  Capt.  L.  IN".  Morris ;  two  eighteen-pounders,  commanded 
by  Lieut.  Churchill,  Third  Artillery  ;  Fourth  Infantry,  commanded  by 
Major  G.  W.  Allen ;  the  Third  and  Fourth  regiments  composed  the 
Third  brigade,  under  command  of  Lieut.  Col.  Garland ;  and  all  the 
above  corps,  together  with  two  squadrons  of  dragoons  under  Captains 
Ker  and  May,  composed  the  right  wing,  under  the  orders  of  Col. 
Tvviggs. 

The  left  was  formed  by  the  battalion  of  artillery  commanded  by 
Lieut,  Col.  Childs,  Capt.  Duncan's  Light  Artillery,  and  the  Eighth  In- 
fantry under  Capt.  Montgomery,  all  forming  the  First  brigade,  under 
command  of  Lieut.  Col.  Belknap.  The  train  was  parked  near  the 
water,  under  direction  of  Captains  Cressman  and  Myers,  and  protected 
by  Capt  Ker's  squadron. 

Then,  thus  iirthe  presence  of  the  enemy,  Gen.  Taylor  ordered  the 
soldiers  to  stack  their  arms,  and  by  companies  march  to  the  ponds  be- 
fore them,  and  refresh  themselves  with  the  luxury  of  fresh  water.  De- 
libe'ately,  as  if  on  a  holiday  parade,  did  they  proceed  to  obey  this 
pleasing-  order.  After  long  and  invigorating  draughts,  they  poured 
from  their  canteens  the  brackish  water  obtained  at  Point  Isabel,  and 
refilled  them  from  the  ponds.  They  then  returned  in  order  to  their 
respective  places.  The  coolness  of  Gen.  Taylor,  and  his  consideration 
for  the  comfort  of  his  men,  as  evinced  by  this  act,  cannot  be  too  much 
admired. 

At  2  o'clock,  the  army  moved  forward  in  battle  array.  While  thus 
advancing,  Lieut.  J.  E.  Blake,  of  the  Topographical  Engineers,  passed 
at  full  speed  the  advance  guard,  saying  u  he  was  going  down  to  observe 
the  enemy's  lines."  He  continued  on,  until  within  one  hundred  and 
fifty  yards  of  them,  when  he  dismounted,  and  drawing  out  his  spy- 
glass, commenced  a  reconnoisance ;  the  boldness  of  which,  called 
forth  admiration  from  the  thousands  who  witnessed  it.  While  thus 
engaged,  two  Mexican  officers,  evidently  under  the  impression  that  he 
had  some  important  communication  to  make  to  their  commanding 
general,  rode  out  from  the  ranks  to  meet  him  \  Lieut.  Blake  observ- 
ing this,  remounted  his  horse,  and  rode  deliberately  down  the  whole 
of  the  enemy's  line ;  then  returning,  he  gave  to  Gen.  Taylor,  what 
was  subsequently  proven  to  be  a  correct  account  of  the  Mexican  force, 
in  both  artillery,  cavalry,  and  infantry. 


OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

The  space  between  the  two  armies  was  now  gradually  lessening, 
and  soon  the  details  could  be  distinguished.  The  tall,  rank  grass  of 
the  prairie,  deadened  the  heavy  tramp  of  the  cavalry,  and  the  lumber- 
ing wheels  of  the  artillery ;  and  the  whole  moved  forward  in  such 
silence,  that  the  rattling  of  their  trappings  could  be  heard  singularly 
plain.  A  space  of  seven  hundred  yards  only,  intervened  between  the 
two  armies,  when  the  batteries  on  the  right  of  the  Mexican  line  open- 
ed, throwing  their  ball  and  grape  over  the  heads  of  the  Americans, 
and  announcing,  in  tones  of  thunder,  that  the  contest  had  begun.  In 
quick  succession  the  whole  of  their  artillery,  from  extreme  right  to 
left,  poured  forth  volleys  of  ball,  which  made  the  earth  tremble,  and 
filled  the  air  with  clouds  of  dust  and  sulphurous  smoke.  The  word 
was  now  given  for  the  advancing  columns  to  halt,  and  deploy  into 
line.  When  this  was  done,  Lieut.  Churchill's  eighteen-pounders  boom- 
ed above  the  surrounding  din,  announcing,  in  full-rolling  echoes,  that 
the  Americans  were  "  in  the  field."  Major  Ringgold's  and  Capt.  Dun- 
can's commands  were  now  ordered  forward  into  the  open  prairie,  and 
commenced  their  rapid  discharges.  A  general  cannonading  now  raged, 
unparalleled,  we  believe,  in  any  fight  upon  an  open  battle  field ;  Dun- 
can's battery,  from  its  conspicuousness  and  nearness  to  our  line,  had 
often  the  concentrated  fire  of  the  enemy  upon  it.  For  two  hours, 
twenty  or  thirty  pieces  of  artillery  rent  the  air  with  their  thunders, 
the  iron  hail  tearing  up  the  prairie  in  deep  furrows,  and  sending  the 
dry  dust  in  clouds  into  the  air.  There  was  but  little  precision  in  the 
enemy's  firing.  The  missiles  almost  invariably  passed  over  the  Ame- 
rican lines  ;  far  different  was  it  with  our  own ;  at  every  discharge,  the 
sudden  opening  that  followed  in  the  solid  masses,  marked  the  terrible 
course  of  death  where  the  Mexican  cavalry  bit  the  dust.  The  in- 
fantry, cool  spectators  of  the  raging  battle,  marked  with  eagle-eyes 
this  havoc  in  the  opposing  ranks,  and  mingled  their  exulting  shouts 
with  the  din,  as  they  witnessed  the  prowess  of  their  campanions  in 
arms.  The  terrible  eighteen-pounders  rose  ever  above  the  tumult,  and 
seemed  as  if  keeping  time  in  solemn  sound,  as  at  every  discharge  they 
sent  their  huge  masses  of  crashing  iron  into  the  living  wall  at,  which 
they  were  directed.  As  the  battle  thickened,  the  infantry,  now  formed 
in  our  rear,  grew  impatient  to  participate  in  the  fight,  and  the  Mexi- 
can cavalry,  by  suffering  so  severely  by  our  artillery,  prepared  for  the 


BATTLE  OF  PALO  ALTO.'  77 

charge.  The  manoeuvring  of  the  day  now  commenced — the  time  for 
cool  courage,  quick  thought,  and  deeds  of  individual  heroism  had 
arrived. 

A  regiment  of  Mexican  lancers,  commanded  by  Gen.  Torrejon, 
moved  towards  our  right,  as  it  was  supposed  to  gain  possession  of 
our  train.  The  Third  and  Fifth  regiments  of  Infantry,  with  a  portion 
of  Ringgold's  battery,  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Ridgley,  were 
ordered  to  check  this  movement,  and  turn  the  left  flank  of  the  enemy. 
They,  however,  still  keeping  up  an  irregular  fire,  continued  steadily 
to  advance  toward  our  right  and  front,  so  as  to  out-flank  our  line,  if 
possible.  Upon  their  near  approach,  the  Fifth  was  thrown  into  square, 
with  Capt.  Walker,  and  twenty  mounted  men,  on  its  right.  Lieut. 
Ridgely  having  dashed  forward,  unlimbered  his  battery,  and  com- 
menced rapid  discharges  of  grape  and  canister  upon  the  enemy's 
artillery,  causing  it  to  retreat ;  but  the  lancers,  fifteen  hundred  strong, 
continued  steadily  to  advance,  in  spite  of  all  opposition,  until  the 
Fifth  poured  into  them  from  the  front  of  the  square  a  fire  so  deadly, 
that  the  front  of  the  cavalry  recoiled ;  great  numbers  fell  dead,  and 
those  in  the  rear,  without  pressing  forward  on  to  the  bayonets  ready 
to  receive  them,  broke  into  confusion.  A  portion,  however,  re-formed, 
and  kept  bravely  on,  in  the  attempt  to  reach  the  trains,  when  Col. 
Twiggs  ordered  the  Third  Infantry  to  the  extreme  right,  to  cut  off 
their  advance,  which,  when  the  enemy  saw,  they  commenced  a  retreat 
in-  good  order,  marching  apparently  by  squadrons,  when  Lieut.  Ridgely, 
assisted  by  Lieut.  French,  opened  his  batteries,  scattering  them  in  all 
directions.  While  Lieut.  Ridgely  was  engaged  in  directing  this  fire, 
his  horse  was  shot  from  under  him,  and  the  same  ball  probably  that 
caused  the  death  of  his  steed,  alarmed  the  horses  at  one  of  his  caissons, 
which  sprang  madly  forward  in  front  of  the  gun.  Lieut.  Ridgely,  re- 
gardless of  personal  danger,  rushed  forward  between  the  two  con- 
tending fires,  seized  the  lead-horses  by  the  head,  and  brought  them 
into  their  places,  thus  saving  not  only  his  horses,  but  the  ammunition 
of  his  battery.  During  this  time,  Major  Ringgold's  batteries  were  not 
idle ;  but,  supported  by  the  Fourth  Infantry,  kept  up  a  galling  and 
continuous  fire.  On  the  left,  and  in  the  advance,  was  Duncan's  bat- 
tery, which,  supported  by  the  Eighth  Infantry,  and  Capt.  Ker's  squadron 
of  dragoons,  poured  forth  a  terrible  discharge.  The  dragoons,  who 


78  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

from  their  elevated  position  could  witness  its  effects,  say  that  horses 
and  riders  were  frequently  blown  into  the  air,  and  long  openings  were 
often  visible,  which  it  made  in  the  solid  columns  against  which  it  was 
directed ;  notwithstanding  this,  the  enemy's  line  remained  unshaken. 
So  rapid  were  these  discharges,  that  the  wiry  grass  of  the  prairie,  that 
reached  nearly  up  to  the  muzzle  of  the  pieces,  dried  before  the  sheeted 
flame,  and  burst  into  a  blaze ;  the  sulphurous  smoke  of  the  exploded 
cannon  and  musket-cartridges  had  already  clouded  the  air,  as  if  to 
veil  the  horrors  of  war  from  the  clear  blue  sky  above ;  but,  when  this 
conflagration  took  place,  the  very  heavens  were  at  times  darkened, 
and  huge  masses  of  smoke  rolled  across  the  plain,  completely  ob- 
scuring our  lines  from  the  enemy's  view. 


A  BRAVE  SOLDIER.  79 


CHAPTER   X. 

Action  resumed — Xe\v  line  of  battle — A  brave  soldier — Capt.  Page  wound- 
ed—  Ringgold's  battery  —  Ringgold's   fall  —  Mexican    charge  —  Repulse — 
Duncan's  battery,  its  movements — Close  of   the   battle1 — The   \\-oui! 
Council — Result — Gen.  Taylor's  despatch — Gen.  Arista's  despatch. 

Two  hours  had  now  elapsed  since  the  artillery  opened  on  both 
sides,  when  the  Mexican  batteries  slackened  their  fire,  and  soon  after 
ceased  altogether.  It  was  evident  that  their  line,  unable  to  withstand 
the  shock  of  Ringgold's,  Churchills,  Duncan's,  and  Ridgely's  pieces, 
were  falling  back,  to  form,  as  Gen.  Taylor  correctly  judged,  a  new 
line  of  battle,  under  cover  of  the  smoke.  The  eigh teen-pounders 
were  now  pushed  forward,  until  they  occupied  the  position  held  by 
the  Mexican  cavalry  at  the  commencement  of  the  action.  As  the 
battalion  of  artillery  advanced,  it  came  up  to  a  private  of  the  Fifth,  a 
veteran  in  Napoleon's  wars,  who  lay  on  the  battle  field  with  both  of 
his  legs  shot  off.  He  was  one  of  the  first  that  fell  after  the  cannonade 
commenced,  and  after  having  escaped  in  the  terrible  conflicts  of  Wa- 
gram  and  Austerlitz,  in  the  retreat  from  Moscow,  and  the  battle  of 
Waterloo,  he  lived  to  fall  on  the  Palo  Alto,  by  a  cannon  shot  from  a 
Mexican  battery.  As  his  fellow  soldiers  passed  him,  and  noticed  the 
blood  flowing  from  his  wounds  with  every  pulsation  of  his  heart,  they 
stopped  for  an  instant  to  sympathise  with  him,  but  the  brave  fellow, 
as  his  eyes  were  glazing  in  death,  waved  them  on,  as  with  his  last 
breath  he  said,  u  Go,  comrades,  I  have  only  got  what  a  soldier  enlists 
for."  A  few  moments  only  had  elapsed,  since  the  air  had  been  rent 
with  the  fierce  discharges  of  the  artillery;  now,  the  familiar  sounds  of 
the  farm  yard  were  most  prominently  heard.  Twenty  yoke  of  oxen 
were  slowly  wending  their  way  over  the  battle  field,  dragging,  with 
infinite  labor,  the  two  eighteen-pounders  into  their  new  position. 
The  drivers  yelling,  geeing  and  hawing,  and  cracking  their  long-lashed 
whips  as  coolly  as  if  at  a  ploughing  match ;  an  American  prairie  only 
was  large  enough  to  give  them  room  to  wheel  into  battery,  which 
having  done,  they  philosophically  resumed  eating  the  long  grass, 


80  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


\vhich  occupation  their  labors  had  temporarily  suspended.  It  is  re- 
markable, that  although  ten  yoke  of  oxen  often  extended  a  broad  line 
to  the  range  of  the  enemy's  guns,  not  a  single  one  was  hurt. 

The  Fifth  Regiment  advanced,  and  occupied  the  extreme  right  of 
the  newly  formed  line.  During  these  movements,  the  wounded  were 
being  carried  from  the  field  to  the  rear,  the  crippled  horses  of  the 
Light  Artillery  were  removed,  and  the  caissons  sent  to  the  train  to  be 
replenished  with  ammunition.  The  Mexicans  arranged  their  line 
parallel  with  our  own,  but  better  protected  than  at  first  by  the  cha- 
parral in  their  rear.  A  little  more  than  an  hour  elapsed,  when  the 
action  on  both  sides  was  resumed,  the  artillery  leading  off,  our  own 
being  apparently  more  destructive  than  ever ;  the  firmness  with  which 
the  enemy  sustained  it  became  a  theme  of  universal  remark  and  admi- 
ration. Capt.  May's  squadron  was  now  ordered  to  make  a  demon- 
stration on  the  enemy's  left  flank,  and  try  to  drive  in  their  cavalry ; 
that  gallant  officer  had  been  almost  a  mere  spectator  of  the  day's 
proceedings,  and  now  obeyed  with  alacrity  the  command  to  take  part 
in  the  action.  As  his  squadron  passed  the  commander-in-chief,  the 
enemy's  batteries  concentrated  their  fire  upon  it.  May  succeeded, 
however,  in  gaining  a  position  for  charging,  but  the  enemy  was  in 
such  force,  that  the  small  number  of  his  squadron  could  accomplish 
nothing,  accordingly,  in  obedience  to  instructions,  he  returned  to  his 
first  position,  and  there  remained  until  the  close  of  the  action. 

The  sun  was  now  rapidly  descending  the  horizon,  and  the  Mexi- 
cans seemed  determined  to  make  one  great  effort  to  silence,  if  possi- 
ble, the  terrible  eighteen-pounders,  and  Ringgold's  batteries.  To  ac- 
complish this,  they  poured  into  them  a  perfect  hurricane  of  grape  and 
canister,  killing  and  wounding  numbers  of  the  gallant  Fourth,  that 
supported  them,  among  which  the  brave  Capt.  Page  fell,  severely 
wounded,  a  cannon  ball  tearing  off  the  lower  part  of  his  face,  and 
stretching  him  helpless  on  the  ground.  Lieut.  Col.  Payne,  inspector 
general  of  the  army,  and  acting  as  aid  to  Gen.  Taylor,  coming  up  at 
this  time,  begged  Lieut.  Churchill  to  permit  him  to  sight  these  pieces, 
which  he  did  with  great  effect.  At  this  time  the  gallant  Major  Ring- 
gold  was  placed  in  a  position  to  try  all  the  qualities  of  his  favorite 
artillery,  and  nobly  had  the  successes  of  the  day  justified  his  high 
expectations;  coolly,  amidst  the  rattling  hail  that  fell  around  him,  he 


MAJOR  RINGGOLD  MORTALLY  WOUNDED.  81 

directed  his  battery  with  almost  the  certainty  of  a  rifle.  His  ammu- 
nition becoming  nearly  exhausted,  he  rode  a  little  to  the  rear  for  the 
the  purpose  of  giving  orders  to  have  his  supply  increased,  and  checked 
his  horse  in  the  rear  of  the  eighteen-pounders,  which  were  at  the 
moment  receiving  the  concentrated  fire  of  the  enemy.  Several  large 
shot  passed  directly  over  this  battery,  striking,  and  throwing  up  a 
cloud  of  dust,  which  had  not  dissipated,  when  Col.  Payne  heard  his 
name  beseechingly  called  by  one  of  the  soldiers,  and  looking  behind, 
he  saw  Major  Ringgold  stretched  upon  the  ground,  his  favorite  steed 
plunging  and  writhing  a  short  distance  from  him.  Col.  Payne  imme- 
diately went  to  his  assistance,  and  found  that  he  was  mortally  wound- 
ed; a  six-pound  shot  had  "struck  his  right  thigh,  and  passing  through 
the  holsters  and  upper  part  of  the  shoulders  of  his  horse,  cut  through 
his  left  thigh,  in  the  same  line  in  which  the  ball  first  struck  him,  ex- 
posing, but  not  breaking  the  bones."  Thus  terribly  mutilated,  while 
the  balls  were  whizzing  over  his  head,  and  striking  about  him,  Major 
Ringgold  rested  his  head  upon  his  left  hand,  appearing  more  like  a 
soldier  reposing  at  ease  after  the  fatigues  of  the  day,  than  like  one 
who  had  just  received  his  death  wound.  So  perfectly  calm  was  he, 
that  his  face  had  not  even  lost  its  natural  color;  and,  as  his 
brother  soldiers  crowded  about  him,  he  waved  them  away,  saying, 
they  had  work  to  do,  and  that  they  must  go  ahead ;  he  then  re- 
moved, with  his  right  hand,  the  chain  from  his  neck,  to  which 
was  attached  his  watch,  and  handing  it  to  Col.  Payne,  said,  "  Give 
that  to  my  sistei ;"  and  after  taking  out  his  purse,  and  making  the 
same  request,  he  appeared  to  have  closed  his  connection  with  the 
world,  and  calmly  to  await  his  death. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  battalion  of  artillery  under  Lieut.  Col.  Childs, 
had  been  brought  up  to  support  the  artillery  on  our  right.  A  strong 
demonstration  of  cavalry  was  now  made  by  the  enemy  against  this 
part  of  the  line,  and  the  column  continued  to  advance  under  a  severe 
fire  from  our  eighteen-pounders.  The  battalion  was  formed  into 
square,  and  held  ready  to  receive  the  charge,  but  when  the  advancing 
squadrons  were  within  a  close  range,  a  deadly  fire  of  canister  from 
the  eighteen-pounders  dispersed  them.  A  brisk  fire  of  small  amis 
was  now  opened  on  the  square,  by  which  one  officer, — Lieut.  Luther, 
of  the  Second  Artillery,  was  wounded  ;  but  a  well-directed  volley  from 

6 


82  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

the  front  of  Col.  Childs'  battalion,  silenced  all  farther  firing  from  the 
enemy's  left. 

The  battle  of  Palo  Alto  was  now  drawing  to  a  close ;  the  Mexican 
army  had  withstood,  for  hours,  the  severe  cannonading  of  our  batteries. 
«md  accomplished  much  to  elevate  them,  as  soldiers,  in  the  eyes  of 
the  world ;  but  their  fire  was  gradually  slackening  •  solitary  discharges 
of  cannon  alone  were  heard,  and  the  line  was  slowly  falling  back  into 
the  chaparral.  Gen.  Arista  seemed  determined,  however,  to  make  one 
more  effort  to  gain  our  rear,  and  possess  himself  of  the  stores  and 
ammunition,  and  the  events  that  now  followed  were  worthy  to  close 
the  successes  of  the  day.  Throughout,  the  battle  had  been  one  of 
artillery,  and  the  artillery  made  the  last  great  and  brilliant  demonstra- 
tion. While  the  enemy  was  pouring  in  their  fire  upon  Ringgold's  • 
and  Churchill's  batteries,  on  our  right,  Capt.  Duncan  was  quietly  re- 
pairing the  injuries  his  batteries  had  sustained,  and  replenishing  his 
caissons  from  the  train.  When  this  was  done,  he  limbered  up,  and 
according  to  orders,  dashed  down  to  the  right  of  our  line,  to  aid  in 
silencing  the  enemy's  fire,  so  destructive  to  the  Fourth  Infantry,  and 
Col.  Childs'  battalion.  The  smoke  still  rolled  in  huge  masses  over 
the  plain ;  in  fact,  the  growing  coolness  of  the  night  air  was  driving  it 
downwards  to  the  earth,  and  obscuring  the  enemy's  lines,  when  a 
slight  breeze  for  an  instant  lifted  this  impenetrable  veil,  and  exposed 
to  Capt.  Duncan's  view  the  enemy,  who  were  rapidly  moving  the 
entire  infantry  and  cavalry  of  their  right  wing  upon  our  train,  which 
was  now  in  the  rear  of  the  left  of  our  line  of  battle.  Capt.  Duncan 
promptly  communicated  to  the  commanding  officer  this  daring  ma- 
noeuvre of  the  enemy,  who  ordered  him  to  proceed  with  all  possible 
despatch  to  the  threatened  point,  and  hold  the  enemy  in  check  until 
the  Eighth  Infantry  could  come  up  to  his  support.  Under  cover  of 
the  smoke,  which  now  favored  this  movement,  Capt.  Duncan,  sup- 
ported in  succession  by  the  Eighth  Infantry  and  Capt.  Ker's  dragoons, 
dashed  back  at  full  speed  beyond  his  original  position,  and  past  the 
burning  prairie,  until  he  arrived  in  full  view  of  the  enemy.  So  sudden 
and  unexpected  was  this  movement  to  the  enemy,  (who  but  a  moment 
before  had  seen  Duncan's  battery  disappear  behind  the  smoke  in  an 
opposite  direction,)  that  the  immense  column  of  advancing  cavalry 
under  command  of  Col.  Don  Cayetano  Montero  halted  before  a  shot 


CLOSE  OF  THE  BATTLE.  83 

had  been  fired,  or  a  gun  unlimbered.  A  strong  body  of  their  infantry, 
supported  by  two  squares  of  cavalry,  debouched  from  the  extreme 
right  front  of  the  chaparral,  and  moved  steadily  forward  to  the  attack ; 
nothing  could  exceed  the  pomp  with  which  the  infantry  advanced ; 
the  grand  band  of  the  anny  was  at  its  head,  pouring  forth  a  volume 
of  proud  defiance  and  anticipation  of  coming  victory.  Suddenly  the 
right  section  of  Duncan's  battery  opened  with  canister  and  shell. 
At  the  first  discharge  the  musicians  were  completely  annihilated ;  a 
shell  exploded  among  them,  piling  them  in  one  promiscuous  heap  of 
frightfully  wounded  and  dead :  their  instruments  were  rent  as  if  of 
paper.  At  each  successive  discharge,  the  havoc  was  fearful ;  but  those 
who  escaped  for  a  time,  closed  in  and  moved  on ;  but  finally  the  ad- 
vancing foot  and  horse  fell  back  in  disorder  to  the  bushes.  The 
other  section  of  the  battery  now  played  upon  the  cavalry  that  had 
halted  upon  the  right  of  the  guns,  as  before  mentioned.  Although 
the  shots  were  well  delivered,  each  one  making  an  opening  through 
the  entire  squadron,  this  part  of  the  Mexican  line  remained  unbroken. 
The  columns  of  horse  and  foot  which  had  been  driven  back  into  the 
chaparral  re-formed,  and  moved  forward  with  great  regularity  to  renew 
the  attack  :  after  advancing  about  one  hundred  yards,  Duncan's  battery 
again  opened,  and  drove  them  back  pell  mell  to  the  bushes,  when 
they  commenced  a  precipitate  and  confused  retreat,  rushing  against 
the  head  of  the  columns  that  had  hitherto  remained  firm  under  our 
shot.  Squadron  after  squadron  followed,  until  the  entire  right  wing 
was  in  full  retreat.  Both  sections  of  the  battery  were  brought  to  bear 
upon  the  flying  columns,  until  they  disappeared  into  the  chaparral, 
and  the  darkness  of  approaching  night  obscured  both  friend  and  foe. 

The  excitement  of  the  contest  gone,  our  soldiers  sunk  in  their  har- 
ness upon  the  battle  field^and  from  fatigue  and  exhaustion,  fell  asleep. 
The  artillerists  reposed  between  the  wheels  of  their  well-used  pieces, 
which  remained  hitched  up — nature  gave  way,  and  could  not  sustain 
the  men  through  the  labors  required  by  discipline,  to  prepare  them 
properly  for  repose.  The  dragoons  all  night  kept  watch;  in  their 
extended  circle,  they  rode  among  heaps  of  the  Mexican  dead,  and 
heard  from  the  dense  chaparral  the  groans  of  the  mortally  wounded, 
as  they  breathed  their  last.  Palo  Alto  also  witnessed  that  night,  a 
scene  which  finds  a  parallel,  in  the  after-part  of  every  battle.  By  the 


84  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

flickering  light  of  torches,  the  medical  staff  were  busy  in  binding  up 
bleeding  and  ghastly  wounds,  amputating  shattered  limbs,  and  other- 
wise performing  their  delicate  offices,  so  sacred  in  the  eyes  of  huma- 
nity, but  the  value  of  which  is  often  overlooked  amid  the  brilliant 
achievements  of  the  battle  field. 

The  officers,  after  performing  their  respective  duties  for  the  night, 
rested  from  their  arduous  labors,  but  felt  no  inclination  to  repose. 
Uncertainty  hung  over  the  events  of  the  coming  day;  it  was  felt  that 
the  "tug  of  war"  was  yet  to  come — -that  the  Mexicans  would  make 
their  last  stand  not  probably  in  the  open  field,  but  with  the  advantages 
of  protected  position,  and  with  increased  strength,  for  straggling  Mexi- 
cans had  been  picked  up,  who  severally  affirmed  that  the  thousands 
already  in  the  field,  had  received  great  accessions  from  the  surround- 
ing country.  To  some,  it  seemed  an  unequal  conflict  for  our  little  army 
to  meet,  without  reinforcements,  the  formidable  force  of  Palo  Alto, 
with  fresh  and  vigorous  troops  added  thereto,  equal  in  number  to  our 
entire  force ;  and  that  discretion,  which  is  a  part  of  tnie  valor,  sug- 
gested the  propriety  of  holding  a  war-council  upon  the  battle  field. 
Gen.  Taylor  was  appealed  to  on  the  subject;  he  promptly  assented  to 
a  council,  if  such  was  the  wish  of  the  officers. 

It  formed  a  memorable  scene,  when  the  commanders  of  Palo  Alto 
assembled,  and  by  the  light  of  the  torch,  consulted  together  as  bro- 
thers, upon  the  future,  and  united  their  spirits,  as  one  man,  to  sustain 
the  honor  of  American  arms.  It  was  with  eloquent  earnestness,  that 
Ridgely  dwelt  upon  the  certainty  of  coming  victory,  if  the  enemy 
again  dared  to  meet  them  in  the  field  ;  and  it  was  with  a  force  as  over- 
powering as  a  discharge  from  his  own  battery,  that  Duncan  declared 
the  defeat  of  a  Mexican  army,  of  whatever  strength,  that  would  dis- 
pute the  progress  of  his  brave  companions,  m  their  onward  march. 
The  young  officers,  warmed  by  enthusiasm,  and  wearing  wreaths  of 
glory,  plucked  in  the  battle  but  just  ended,  thus  spoke ;  while  the 
noble,  gray-haired  Mclntosh,  who  represented  the  heroes  who  had 
won  honors  in  an  earlier  day,  sanctioned  the  high-souled  breathings 
of  his  younger  brothers  in  arms.  The  vote  was  taken,  and  declared, 
without  a  dissenting  voice,  "  We  will  go  ahead." 

While  this  council  was  being  held,  Gen.  Taylor,  in  his  tent,  was 
preparing  the  following  despatch,  remarkable  not  only  for  its  brevity, 


GEN.  TAYLOR'S  DESPATCH.  85 

and  modest  recapitulation  of  most  brilliant  events,  but  also  for  dis- 
playing a  trait  of  character  he  has  shown  through  life ;  that  of  perfect 
confidence  in  his  own  resources,  and  unconsciousness  of  the  possi- 
bility of  successful  opposition  j  for  in  it,  he  declares  it  to  be  his  con- 
viction, that  the  enemy  had  crossed  the  river,  leaving  the  road  open 
before  him  to  Fort  Brown. 

HEAD  QUARTERS  ARMY  OF  OCCUPATION, 

Camp  at  Palo  Alto.  Texas,  May  9,  1846. 

SIR  : — I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  I  was  met  near  this  place  yes- 
terday, on  my  march  from  Point  Isabel,  by  the  Mexican  forces,  and 
after  an  action  of  about  five  hours,  dislodged  them  from  their  position, 
and  encamped  upon  the  field.  Our  artillery,  consisting  of  two  eighteen- 
pounders  and  two  light  batteries,  wras  the  arm  chiefly  engaged,  and  to 
the  excellent  manner  in  which  it  was  manoeuvred  and  served,  is  our 
success  mainly  clue. 

The  strength  of  the  enemy  is  believed  to  have  been  about  six  thou- 
sand men,  with  seven  pieces  of  artillery,  and  eight  hundred  cavalry. 
His  loss  is  probably  at  least  one  hundred  killed.  Our  strength  did 
not  exceed,  all  told,  twenty-three  hundred,  wrhile  our  loss  was  com- 
paratively trifling — four  men  killed,  three  officers  and  thirty-seven 
men  wounded,  several  of  the  latter  mortally.  I  regret  to  say  that 
Major  Ringgold,  Third  Artillery,  and  Capt.  Page,  Fourth  Infantry,  are 
severely  wounded ;  Lieut.  Luther,  Second  Artillery,  slightly  so. 

The  enemy  has  fallen  back,  and  it  is  believed  has  repassed  the 
river.  I  have  advanced  parties  now  thrown  forward  in  his  direction, 
and  shall  move  the  main  body  immediately. 

In  the  haste  of  this  first  report,  I  can  only  say  that  the  officers  and 
men  behaved  in  the  most  admirable  manner  throughout  the  action.  I 
shall  have  the  pleasure  of  making  a  more  detailed  report,  when  those 
of  the  different  commanders  shall  be  received. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Z.  TAYLOR, 
Brevet  Brig.  Gen.  U.  S.  .#.,  Commanding. 

The  ADJUTANT  GENERAL  U.  S.  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C. 

Far  different  was  the  tenor  of  Gen.  Arista's  official  document, 
written  nearly  simultaneously  with  that  of  Gen.  Taylor.  It  was 


86  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

Arista's  object  to  conceal  the  truth,  and  under  the  guise  of  contra- 
dictory, but  high-sounding  assertions,  to  give  the  superficial  thinkers 
among  his  own  countrymen,  the  idea  that  he  was  victorious.  This 
despatch  is  interesting,  because  it  gives  the  battle  of  Palo  Alto  as  re- 
ceived by  Mexican  eyes  ;  and  also  for  its  studied  expressions,  so  art- 
fully worded  to  deceive. 


MOST  EXCELLENT  SIR:  —  Constant  in  my  purpose  of  preventing 
Gen.  Taylor  from  uniting  the  forces  which  he  brought  from  the 
Fronton  of  Sante  Isabel,  with  those  which  he  left  fortified  opposite 
Matamoros,  I  moved  this  day  from  the  Fanques  del  Raminero,  whence 
I  despatched  my  last  extraordinary  courier,  and  took  the  direction  of 
Palo  Alto,  as  soon  as  my  spies  informed  me  that  the  enemy  had  left 
Fronton,  with  the  determination  of  introducing  into  his  fort  wagons 
loaded  with  provisions  and  heavy  artillery. 

I  arrived  opposite  Palo  Alto  about  1  o'clock,  and  observed  that  the 
enemy  was  entering  that  position. 

With  all  my  forces,  I  established  the  line  of  battle  in  a  great  plain, 
my  right  resting  upon  an  elevation,  and  my  left  on  a  slough  of  diffi- 
cult passage. 

Scarcely  was  the  first  cannon  fired,  when  there  arrived  Gen.  D. 
Pedro  de  Ampudia,  second  in  command,  whom  I  had  ordered  to  join 
me  after  having  covered  the  points  which  might  serve  to  besiege  the 
enemy  in  the  forts  opposite  Matamoros. 

The  forces  under  my  orders  amounted  to  three  thousand  men,  and 
twelve  pieces  of  artillery;  those  of  the  invaders  were  three  thousand, 
rather  less  than  more,  and  were  superior  in  artillery,  since  they  had 
twenty  pieces  of  the  calibre  of  sixteen  and  eighteen  pounds. 

The  battle  commenced  so  ardently,  that  the  fire  of  cannon  did  not 
cease  a  single  moment.  In  the  course  of  it,  the  enemy  wished  to 
follow  the  road  towards  Matamoros,  to  raise  the  siege  of  his  troops  ; 
with  which  object  he  fired  the  grass,  and  formed  in  front  of  his  line 
of  battle  a  smoke  so  thick,  that  he  succeeded  in  covering  himself 
from  our  view,  but  by  means  of  manoeuvres  this  was  twice  embar- 
rassed. 

Gen.  Taylor  maintained  his  attack  rather  defensively  than  offen- 


GEN.  ARISTA'S  DESPATCH.  87 

sively,  employing  his  best  arm,  which  is  artillery,  protected  by  half 
of  the  infantry,  and  all  of  his  cavalry, — keeping  the  remainder  forti- 
fied in  the  ravine,  about  two  thousand  yards  from  the  field  of  battle. 
I  was  anxious  for  the  charge,  because  the  fire  of  cannon  did  much 
damage  in  our  ranks,  and  I  instructed  Gen.  D.  Anastasio  Torrejon  to 
execute  it  with  the  greater  part  of  the  cavalry,  by  our  left  flank,  while 
one  should  be  executed  at  the  same  time  by  our  right  flank,  with 
some  columns  of  infantry,  and  the  remainder  of  that  arm  [cavalry.] 

I  was  waiting  the  moment  when  that  general  should  execute  the 
charge,  and  the  effect  of  it  should  begin  to  be  seen,  in  order  to  give 
the  impulse  on  the  right ;  but  he  was  checked  by  a  fire  of  the  enemy, 
which  defended  a  slough  that  embarrassed  the  attack. 

Some  battalions,  becoming  impatient  by  the  loss  which  they  suf- 
fered, fell  into  disorder,  demanding  to  advance  or  fall  back.  1  imme- 
diately caused  them  to  charge  with  a  column  of  cavalry,  under  the 
command  of  Col.  D.  Cayetano  Montero;  the  result  of  this  operation 
being  that  the  dispersed  corps  repaired  their  fault  as  far  as  possible, 
marching  towards  the  enemy,  who,  in  consequence  of  his  distance, 
was  enabled  to  fall  back  upon  his  reserve,  and  night  coming  on,  the 
battle  was  concluded, — the  field  remaining  for  our  arms. 

Every  suitable  measure  was  then  adopte'd,  and  the  division  took  up 
a  more  concentrated  curve  in  the  same  scene  of  action. 

.The  combat  was  long  and  bloody,  which  may  be  estimated  from 
the  calculations  made  by  the  commandant  general  of  artillery,  Gen. 
D.  Thomas  Requena,  who  assures  me  that  the  enemy  threw  about 
three  thousand  cannon  shots  from  two  in  the  afternoon,  when  the 
battle  commenced,  until  seven  at  night,  when  it  terminated, — six 
hundred  and  fifty  being  fired  on  our  side. 

The  national  arms  shone  forth,  since  they  did  not  yield  a  hand's- 
breadth  of  ground,  notwithstanding  the  superiority  in  artillery  of  the 
enemy,  who  suffered  much  damage. 

Our  troops  have  to  lament  the  loss  of  two  hundred  and  fifty-two 
men  dispersed,  wounded,  and  killed, — the  last  worthy  of  national 
recollection  and  gratitude  for  the  intrepidity  with  which  they  died 
fighting  for  the  most  sacred  of  causes. 

Will  your  excellency  please  with  this  note  to  report  to  his  excel- 
lency the  President,  representing  to  him  that  I  will  take  care  to  give 


88  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


a  circumstantial  account  of  this  deed  of  arms ;  and  recommending  to 
him  the  good  conduct  of  all  the  generals,  chiefs,  officers,  and  soldiers 
under  my  orders,  for  sustaining  so  bloody  a  combat,  which  does  honor 
to  our  arms,  and  exhibits  their  discipline. 

Accept  the  assurances  of  my  consideration  and  great  regard, 

God  and  Liberty ! 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  PALO  ALTO,  in  sight  of  the  enemy^  May  8,  1846. 

MARIANO  ARISTA. 

MOST  EXCELLENT  SIR, 

Minister  of  War  and  Marine. 


A  DEAD  CAVALRY  OFFICER.  89 


CHAPTER  XL 

Morning  of  the  9th — The  train  parked — A  dead  cavalry  officer — Evidences 
of  the  battle  of  the  8th — Interesting  incident — Advance  guard  under  Capt. 
McCall — Fatal  accident  to  Lieut.  Blake — Burial  of  the  dead — Evidences  of 
a  murder — Enemy  discovered — Resaca  de  la  Palma — Lieut.  Dobbins — 
Ridgely  ordered  forward — The  battle  begins — It  becomes  general. 

ON  the  morning  of  the  9th,  as  the  sun  rose  and  dissipated  the  smoky 
haze  that  had  hung  over  the  battle  field,  the  enemy  was  seen  slowly 
moving  away  into  the  chaparral,  as  if  reluctantly  leaving  the  Americans 
in  possession  of  Palo  Alto.  Gen.  Taylor  presumed  that  the  enemy 
might  possibly  dispute  his  progress  towards  Fort  Brown.  Forming 
his  plans  accordingly,  he  ordered  the  train  to  be  strongly  parked ;  and 
throwing  up  an  entrenchment,  he  assigned  the  artillery  battalion,  with 
two  eighteen-pounders,  and  two  twelve-pounders,  not  used  the  day 
previous,  for  its  defence. 

The  army  was  then  formed  into  line  of  battle,  and  moved  over  the 
prairie,  amid  the  strains  of  enlivening  music,  and  the  halo  of  the  pre- 
ceding glorious  day  resting  upon  it.  A  short  advance  brought  the 
army  upon  the  ground  occupied  by  the  Mexicans  the  day  previous, 
and  the  effect  of  the  recent  action  began  to  display  itself.  One  of  the 
first  objects  that  met  the  eye  was  the  body  of  a  Mexican  cavalry  offi- 
cer, who  had  been  killed  while  in  advance  of  his  fellow  soldiers.  A 
cannon  ball  had  struck  the  back  part  of  his  head,  splitting  it  open,  yet 
not  disfiguring  the  face.  His  horse,  by  some  extraordinary  accident, 
had  evidently  been  killed  at  the  same  instant  with  himself.  There 
lay  the  soldier  most  gracefully  reposing  upon  his  steed,  and  both 
looked  as  if  sleeping  after  the  fatigues  of  a  day's  hard  labor.  It  was  a 
singular  picture,  where  the  calm  appearance  of  life  was  counterfeited 
by  the  eternal  sleep  of  death,  which  had  not  robbed  a  single  muscle 
of  repose,  or  given  to  the  lineaments  aught  than  plays  upon  them  in 
the  sweet  dreams  of  innocence  and  youth. 

Continuing  on,  the  evidences  of  the  terrible  havoc  of  our  artillery 
increased.  Not  only  the  dead  were  seen,  but  wrecks  of  military  ac- 


90          OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

coutrements.  Among  them  were  gun-stocks,  bayonets,  and  in  vast 
heaps  cartridges  for  musket  and  cannon ;  while  over  the  ground  torn 
clothing  and  military  caps  were  strown  in  most  eloquent  confusion. 
In  the  long  grass  beside  the  road  lay  a  severely-wounded  soldier.  All 
night  long  had  he  suffered  the  excruciating  agonies  of  his  wounds, 
and  been  tormented  by  thirst.  The  poor  fellow  raised  himself  up,  and 
showed  by  signs  that  he  was  dying  for  water.  The  sight  impressed 
all  who  witnessed  it,  and  the  soldiers  were  ready,  but  for  discipline, 
to  have  rushed  to  his  relief.  Upon  seeing  the  distressed  Mexican, 
Col.  Twiggs  involuntarily  exclaimed,  u  Men !  the  poor  fellow  wants 
water  !"  and  full  twenty  soldiers  stripped  themselves  of  their  canteens 
and  threw  them  at  the  feet  of  the  wounded  Mexican.  Once  relieved 
from  thirst,  he  begged  for  food.  Col.  Twiggs  mentioned  this,  when 
a  dozen  haversacks  of  victuals  were  thrown  beside  the  water,  and  the 
Mexican  officer,  gloating  upon  the  relief  he  received,  ate  and  died  sur- 
rounded by  the  marks  of  the  generosity  of  our  troops. 

The  army  was  now  on  the  edge  of  the  chaparral,  and  halted  at  a 
part  convenient  to  water.  Gen.  Taylor  then  ordered  the  light  com- 
panies of  the  First  brigade,  under  Capt.  C.  F.  Smith,  Second  Artillery, 
and  a  select  detachment  of  light  troops,  the  whole  under  the  command 
of  Capt.  McCall  of  the  Fourth  Infantry,  to  move  forward  into  the  cha- 
parral and  feel  the  enemy,  and  ascertain  their  position.  Gen.  Taylor 
then  rode  back  to  the  train,  accompanied,  among  others  of  his  staff, 
by  Lieut.  J.  E.  Blake,  of  the  Topographical  Corps.  While  at  the  train, 
Lieut.  Blake  got  down  from  his  horse  to  take  some  refreshment,  his 
labors  having  been  very  severe  during  the  previous  twenty-four 
hours.  Having  unbuckled  his  holsters  and  expressed  his  gratification 
at  a  prospect  of  a  little  rest,  and  threw  them  down,  when,  from  some 
unaccountable  accident,  one  of  his  pistols  exploded,  throwing  the  ball 
upwards  through  his  body.  He  fell  mortally  wounded,  and  in  a  few 
hours,  having  expressed  his  regrets  that  he  had  not  fell  on  the  battle 
field  the  day  previous,  he  breathed  his  last. 

The  army  now  halted,  its  movements  being  dependent  upon  the 
reports  sent  in  from  the  advance  guard.  The  wounded  Mexicans, 
who  had  been  left  on  the  battle  field  by  the  retreating  army,  were 
carried  back  to  our  hospitals,  and  treated  with  the  same  attention  as 
its  other  inmates,  while  a  great  number  of  the  dead  lying  in  the  parts 


MURDERED  WOMAN.  91 

of  the  battle  field  occupied  by  our  troops,  were  decently  buried.  Our 
artillery  had  literally  mowed  down  the  enemy.  The  eye  could  distin- 
guish where  the  infantry  had  remained  in  line  under  the  fire,  and  where 
they  had  been  struck  in  the  confusion  of  retreat.  And  the  dead  horses 
scattered  along  the  route,  traced  the  sweeping  cavalry.  Far  off  to 
the  left  of  our  line,  beyond  the  dark  spot,  made  by  the  fired  grass  that 
was  burnt  upon  the  8th,  could  be  seen,  undisturbed,  and  reposing 
beneath  the  morning  sun,  the  terrible  evidences  of  Duncan's  last 
charge  upon  the  advancing  Mexicans.  The  dead  that  fell  under  that 
assault,  had  never  been  touched  by  friend  or  foe.  The  change  in  the 
order  of  battle  had  thrown  them  out  of  convenient  reach  of  both 
armies,  and  in  the  distance  it  appeared  as  if  a  host  of  horse  and  foot 
had  carelessly  bivouaced  in  the  plain,  and  were  still  slumbering. 

Capt.  McCall,  with  his  command,  consisting  in  all  of  about  two 
hundred  and  twenty  men,  entered  the  chaparral.  Capt.  C.  F.  Smith, 
of  the  Second  Artillery,  with  the  light  companies  of  the  First  brigade, 
moved  on  the  right  of  the  road,  and  Capt.  McCall,  with  the  artillery 
and  infantry,  moved  on  the  left  of  the  road.  Capt.  Walker,  of  the 
Texian  Rangers,  with  a  small  detachment  of  mounted  men,  went  in 
advance  to  examine  the  road,  and  Lieut.  Pleasanton,  with  his  Second 
Dragoons,  brought  up  the  rear.  After  advancing  probably  two  miles 
through  the  chaparral,  the  troops  were  startled  by  the  exhibition  of  a 
murdered  woman,  whose  body  lay  beside  the  road.  Her  features 
were  singularly  regular  and  beautiful,  and  her  dress  indicated  her  one 
of  the  better  class  of  Mexican  women.  She  had  evidently  been  killed 
during  the  retreat  of  the  army  from  Palo  Alto.  Her  appearance  and 
her  melancholy  fate  roused  speculation,  and  a  thousand  rumors  floated 
about ;  but  none  seemed  to  be  truthful,  save  so  far  as  they  were 
characteristic  of  her  violent  death,  and  her  fate  was  one  of  those  dark 
passages  in  the  history  of  war,  which  are  known  to  exist,  but  the 
particulars  of  which  will  probably  ever  remain  clouded  in  mystery. 

Capt.  Walker's  party  charged  upon  a  straggling  body  of  Mexicans, 
killing  one  man,  and  taking  one  prisoner.  They  then  crossed  the 
prairie,  and  returning,  reported  the  road  ahead  open.  Capt.  McCall 
pushed  into  the  chaparral,  and  soon  discovered  other  small  parties  of 
Mexican  infantry,  and  also  a  small  party  of  cavalry.  These  were  fired 
upon  by  the  right  of  our  advance.  A  few  moments  passed,  and  the 


92  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

head  of  Capt.  McCall's  command  readied  the  open  ground  bordering 
La  Resaca  de  la  Palma,  and  were  received  by  three  rounds  of  can- 
ister from  a  masked  battery.  This  killed  one  of  our  men,  wounded 
two  others,  and  caused  them  to  break  to  the  chaparral.  They  were 
instantly  rallied,  however,  and  with  Capt.  Smith's  detachment,  prepared, 
by  a  flank  movement,  to  attack  the  enemy,  who  were  supposed  to  be 
the  rear  guard  of  the  Mexican  army. 

In  the  meantime,  Lieut.  Dobbins,  with  a  few  men  on  the  left  of  the 
road,  had  been  charged  upon  by  a  large  party  of  Mexicans,  who 
rushed  out  of  a  ravine.  Lieut.  Dobbins  raised  his  rifle,  and  killed 
their  leader,  thus  killing  the  first  man  who  fell  on  the  Resaca  de  la 
Palma.  At  the  same  instant  his  soldiers  fired,  and  bringing  down 
more  than  their  own  number  of  the  enemy,  drove  the  remainder  back. 
The  masked  battery  then  opened  on  Lieut.  Dobbins,  and  a  grape  shot 
struck  him  down.  He  recovered  himself  just  in  time  to  order  his 
men  to  the  chaparral,  to  save  them  from  being  ridden  down  by  a  troop 
of  Mexican  cavalry  that  came  up  and  passed  him  in  pursuit.  He  then 
instantly  ordered  his  men  to  press  upon  their  rear,  and  the  cavalry, 
supposing  that  they  had  fallen  into  an  ambuscade,  retreated  in  con- 
fusion. Lieut.  McCown,  having  heard  a  report  of  the  death  of  Lieut. 
Dobbins,  came  up  in  search  of  his  body,  when  the  two  officers  met, 
and  returned  with  their  men  to  the  main  body  of  the  advance  guard. 
Capt.  McCall,  being  now  satisfied  that  the  enemy  was  in  force  in  the 
ravine  in  front,  despatched  three  dragoons  to  inform  Gen.  Taylor  of 
the  fact,  and  placed  himself  in  a  strong  position  to  await  the  arrival 
of  the  commander-in-chief. 

At  3  o'clock  Gen.  Taylor  received  the  message  from  Capt.  McCall, 
and  immediately  issued  orders  for  the  wagons  to  be  parked.  The 
Artillery  brigade  under  Col.  Childs,  Duncan's  battery,  and  the  Eighth 
regiment,  were  left  to  protect  them.  Ridgely,  with  his  battery,  was 
ordered  forward  on  the  road,  while  the  Third,  Fourth,  and  Fifth 
regiments  Of  Infantry  were  ordered  forward  as  skirmishers  to  cover 
the  battery,  and  engage  the  infantry  of  the  enemy.  Gen.  Taylor  with 
his  staff  carne  up  with  Capt.  McCall  and  party  at  about  4  o'clock.  He 
immediately  deployed  Capt.  McCall  to  the  left  of  the  road,  and  Capt. 
Smith  to  the  right,  with  orders  to  bring  on  the  action. 

The  Mexicans,  after  the  battle  of  the  8th,  had  returned  slowly  from 


RESACA  DE  LA  PALMA.  93 

the  Palo  Alto,  and  moved  towards  Matamoros;  the  cavalry  being  the 
last  to  retreat.  After  moving  a  few  miles,  they  arrived  at  Resaca  de 
la  Palma,  a  naturally  strong  position,  and  so  retreated  as  to  entirely 
command  the  approach  to  Fort  Brown.  Here  they  had  entrenched. 
At  this  place  the  road  crosses,  at  a  right  angle,  a  ravine,  probably  sixty 
yards  wide  and  nearly  breast  high.  The  lowest  parts  of  the  ravine 
are  at  all  times  filled  with  water,  forming  long  and  serpentine  ponds 
through  the  prairie.  In  very  rainy  seasons,  these  ponds  unite  across 
the  ridge  forming  the  road,  and  then  flow  off  towards  the  Rio  Grande, 
making  what  is  known  by  the  apparently  contradictory,  yet  proper 
name  of  the  Dry  River  of  Palrna.  Along  the  banks  of  this  dry  river, 
and  more  particularly  on  the  side  then  occupied  by  the  Mexicans,  the 
chaparral  grows  most  densely,  and  at  this  time,  save  where  it  was 
broken  in  by  the  passage  of  the  road,  formed  almost  a  solid  wall. 
The  enemy  occupied  this  ravine  in  double  line  :  one  behind  and  under 
the  front  bank,  and  the  other  entrenched  behind  the  wall  of  the  cha- 
parral on  the  top  of  the  rear  ridge.  A  battery  was  placed  in  the  centre 
of  each  line  on  the  right  and  on  the  left  of  the  road,  and  a  third  battery 
was  on  the  right  of  the  first  line.  Six  or  seven  thousand  troops  were 
thus  strongly  fortified  in  a  form  resembling  a  crescent,  betwreen  the 
horns  of  which  the  Americans  had  to  pass,  while  the  Mexican  batteries 
were  enfilading  and  cross-firing  the  narrow  road  which  formed  the 
only  unobstructed  approach  to  their  position. 

The  moment  that  Ridgely  received  orders  to  advance,  he  moved 
forward  and  cautiously  along  the  road,  endeavoring,  with  the  assist- 
ance of  Capt.  Walker,  to  obtain  the  exact  position  of  the  enemy's 
batteries,  which  they  finally  discovered  in  the  road,  in  advance  of 
their  own  columns.  At  this  instant  the  batteries  opened  a  fire,  and 
Lieut.  Ridgely  and  men  charged  them  at  full  speed,  and  with  loud 
cheers,  in  which  they  were  joined  by  the  Fifth  regiment,  who  were 
in  the  van  of  the  infantry.  The  Fifth,  now  deployed  as  skirmishers, 
pushed  on  at  full  speed  nearly  three-fourths  of  a  mile  before  Ridgely 
opened,  and  with  a  speed  nearly  equal  to  that  of  the  flying  artillery. 
A  portion  of  the  Fourth  soon  came  up,  and  joined  \vith  the  Fifth  on 
the  left,  and  the  Third  regiment  and  the  remainder  of  the  Fourth 
came  towards  the  ravine  on  the  enemy's  right. 

Capt.  McCalPs  command,  having  been  ordered  to  move  ahead,  had 


94  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

advanced  some  three  hundred  yards,  and  encountered  the  right  wing 
of  the  enemy's  infantry.  Thus,  almost  simultaneously,  our  musketry 
opened  with  our  artillery,  and  the  action  of  Resaca  de  la  Palma  com- 
menced. The  Eighth  regiment  was  now  ordered  forward  in  double 
quick  time,  in  columns  of  companies,  and  under  a  heavy  and  most  de- 
structive fire  of  grape  they  came  up  in  the  rear  of  Duncan's  battery, 
also  ordered  to  the  front. 

While  this  movement  was  going  on,  Ridgely  was  answering  the 
enemy's  batteries.  His  cannoniers,  stripped  to  their  buff,  did  their 
work  with  a  determination  that  nothing  could  surpass,  and  for  thirty 
minutes  laboured  under  a  storm  of  canister  and  grape  that  literally 
filled  the  air,  Ridgely  often  sighting  the  pieces  with  the  coolness  of 
mere  target  practice,  and  by  well-directed  discharges  endeavored  to 
keep  off  the  assailing  cavalry,  who  frequently  pressed  him  hard,  and 
at  times,  when  our  infantry  was  not  up  to  his  support,  obliging  him  to 
defend  his  pieces  with  his  own  sword.  So  terrible  was  now  the  ene- 
my's fire,  that  if  it  had  not  often  been  aimed  too  high,  and  thereby 
passing  over  to  our  advancing  columns  in  the  rear  of  the  battery,  it 
would  have  fairly  swept  away  Ridgely's  whole  command,  as  the  dis- 
charges were  so  rapid,  that  they,  joining  with  the  discharges  of  our 
own  pieces,  formed  one  continued  stultifying  roar. 

It  is  an  extraordinary  fact,  that  so  rapidly  did  the  regiments  move 
after  the  orders  were  given  for  their  advance,  that  they  almost  simul- 
taneously joined  in  the  contest,  and  with  a  deafening  shout  they  ap- 
peared upon  the  banks  of  the  ravine,  and  commenced  a  well-directed 
discharge  of  musketry. 

The  Fifth  regiment,  under  Lieut.  Col.  Mclntosh,  supported  Ridgely's 
battery.  The  Third  regiment,  under  the  command  of  Capt.  L.  N.  Mor- 
ris, and  the  Fourth,  under  Major  Allen,  scattered  by  the  dense  chapar- 
ral, were  obliged  to  form  in  the  ravine.  The  Eighth,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Capt.  W.  R.  Montgomery,  with  Smith's  Light  and  other  corps, 
faced  to  the  right.  Duncan's  battery  was  at  the  edge  of  the  ravine, 
but  he  could  not  use  it,  as  the  only  position  from  which  the  enemy 
could  be  engaged  without  galling  our  troops  was  in  possession  of 
Ridgely. 

The  best  troops  of  Mexico  were  now  disputing  for  the  honor  of 
their  arms.  Heretofore  ever  triumphant  in  the  field  when  engaged 


CONTEST  AT  THE  RAVINE.  95 

in  the  wars  of  civil  discord,  they  seemed  determined  to  meet  death 
rather  than  suffer  a  defeat.  But  they  were  not  able  to  withstand  the 
spirit  with  which  our  troops  pressed  on.  The  well-directed  musketry, 
the  sharp  sword,  the  constant  discharge  of  artillery,  and  the  often- 
crossed  bayonets,  made  the  outworks  of  the  living  wall  of  the  enemy 
tremble,  and  they  began  reluctantly  to  give  way  until,  finally,  our 
troops  announced,  in  repeated  cheers,  that  they  were  in  the  ravine  oc- 
cupied by  the  enemy's  advance  at  the  beginning  of  the  action. 

To  accomplish  this,  the  struggle  was  terrible.   The  enemy  disputed 
every  inch  of  ground,  never  yielding  except  when  overcome  by  force. 
The  infantry  had  captured  the  piece  of  artillery  on  the  right  o 
enemy's  line,  and  attempted  to  charge  across  the  pond  of  wa+cr ;  but 
still  the  batteries,  although  surrounded  with  !ead,  stood 

firm,  and  kept    (,  theil  mi  nto  our  living  front 

a  storm  »r  or  cover  of  which  the  Mexicans  would 

charge  across  the  ravine,  and  attempt  to  recover  their  lost  position. 


96  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


CHAPTER    XII. 

Gen.  Taylor's  order  to  Capt.  May — Ridgely's  coolness — May's  charge — Its  ef 
fects — Fall  of  Lieut.  Inge — The  capture  of  Gen.  Vega — The  Fifth  charges 
— Capt.  Hooe  wounded — Lieut.  Col.  Payne  wounded — The  Eighth — Lieut 
Col.  Belknap's  charge — Lieut.  Lincoln — Fall  of  Lieut.  Chadbourne — Lieut 
Jordan  wounded — The  Third — The  Fourth — Capt.  Buchanan — Lieutenants 
Woods  and  Hays — Capt.Barbour — Gallantry  and  death  of  Corporal  Chisholm 
— Lieut.  Col.  Mclntosh  wounded — Charge  of  Duncan's  battery — Incident— 

-    Arista's  camp — Charge  of  Mexican  cavalry — Death  of  Lieut.  Cochrane. 

GEX.  TAYLOR,  finding  that  the  strong  position  of  the  enemy  kep 
him  from  driving  tlicm  before  him,  sent  word  to  Capt.  May,  of  the 
dragoons,  who  was  in  the  rear,  to  immediately  report  himself  for  duty 
When  that  officer  appeared,  Gen.  Taylor  observed,  "  Capt.  May,  you 
must  charge  the  enemy's  batteries,  and  take  them  nolens  volens."   To' 
which  Capt.  May  replied,  "  I  will  do  it ;"  and  turning  to  his  command 
he  said,  "  Remember  your  regiment  and  follow  your  officers."    Then, 
striking  his  spurs  into  his  horse,  he  dashed  down  the  road,  his  com- 
mand, owing  to  the  narrowness  of  the  road,  following  him  in  columns 
of  fours.    The  men,  as  they  swept  along,  raised  a  shout  that  momen- 
tarily rang  above  the  din  of  battle,  while  the  mingled  tramp  of  the 
horses'  feet  fairly  shook  the  earth. 

But  May's  moment  had  not  yet  come.  The  gallant  Ridgely  ob-1 
structcd  his  onward  progress.  "  I  am  ordered  to  charge  those  battc-j 
rie.s,"  said  May,  coming  to  a  halt.  Ridgely,  begrimed  with  powder,] 
and  laboring  in  the  humblest  offices  about  his  pieces,  turned  to  his| 
brother  officer,  and  knowing  the  dangerous  duty  he  had  to  perform, 
said,  «  Wait,  Charley,  until  I  draw  their  fire."  The  next  instant  the 
match  descended,  and  ere  the  sharp  report  of  Ridgely's  batteries  had; 
fairly  broken  on  the  air,  the  enemy  replied,  and  the  copper  hail  came! 
whizzing  and  crushing  among  the  brave  artillerists.  Quick  as  thought 
Ridgely  limbered  up,  and  deployed  from  the  road,  his  men  jumped  on, 
their  pieces,  and  cheered  the  dragoons  as  they  passed.  The  infantry, 
attracted  by  the  ciy,  looked  and  saw  May,  who,  from  die  superiority] 
of  his  horse,  was  far  across  the  ravine  while  the  head  of  his  column 


CAPT.  MAY'S  CHARGE.  97 


was  just  entering  it.  The  slightest  glance  told  the  tale  to  our  little 
array,  and  they  raised  one  universal  shout  of  exultation,  that  fairly  re- 
echoed to  the  Rio  Grande. 

It  was  a  soul-stirring  sight  to  witness  that  charge.  The  dragoons 
were  stripped  of  every  unnecessary  encumbrance,  and  brandished  their 
weapons  with  their  naked  arms  that  displayed  the  well-filled  muscle, 
glittering  like  the  bright  steel  they  wielded.  May,  far  in  the  advance, 
seemed  to  be  a  living  messenger  of  death  that  Ridgely  had  sent  from 
his  battery  at  its  last  discharge.  His  long  hair  and  beard  streamed  be- 
neath his  gold-tasselled  cap,  like  the  rays  of  a  comet ;  and  upon  his 
cimetar  the  tropical  sun  glistened  with  burning  effulgence.  There 
followed  in  his  lead  the  long  dark  line  of  his  squadron,  and  as  his 
charger  rose  upon  the  enemy's  batteries  the  rider  turned  to  wave  on 
his  men,  when  he  found  at  his  heels  the  gallant  Inge,  who  answered 
the  challenge  with  a  shout.  That  instant  the  enemy  poured  a  terri- 
ble fire  of  grape  and  canister  from  the  upper  battery,  which  swept 
over  the  squadron  a  cloud  of  winged  messengers  of  death.  Eighteen 
horses  and  seven  brave  men  came  in  bloody  mangled  masses  to  the 
earth.  Lieut.  Sackett  whirled  from  his  killed  horse,  sword  in  hand, 
among  the  enemy ;  and  beyond  the  battery  the  gallant  Inge,  mortally 
wounded  by  a  cannon  shot  in  his  throat,  wavered  for  a  moment,  and 
then,  with  his  steed,  fell  headlong  down.  But  there  was  no  checking 
those  who  lived.  On  they  rushed  with  Lieut.  Stevens,  carrying  every 
thing  before  them,  while  Capt.  Graham,  Lieutenants  Winship  and 
Pleasanton,  with  their  command,  swept  to  the  left  of  the  road,  and 
leaped  over  the  battery  there  situated.  The  Mexicans  were  completely 
driven  from  their  guns,  and  their  fire  silenced.  But  the  men  about  these 
pieces,  though  repulsed,  were  not  beaten.  Back  they  rushed  to  them, 
and  with  their  bayonet  points  determined  to  retain  them  or  die. 


Graves  of  Lieut.  Z.  M.P.Inge  and  his  dragoons. 

7 


98  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

May  and  his  squadron  having  accomplished  their  work,  checked 
and  scattered  themselves  amongst  a  host  of  enemies,  who  were  pour- 
ing on  them  a  galling  fire  of  musketry,  or  having  rushed  back  to  the 
guns,  commenced  ramming  home  the  fatal  grape,  to  again  scatter  it 
among  our  ranks.  Gathering  five  or  six  men,  May  charged  back  to 
our  own  lines.  As  his  tall  form  rose  and  fell  on  the  gigantic  leaps  of 
his  charger,  the  Mexicans  shrunk  from  his  powerfully-dealt  sword,  as 
if  they  had  been  assailed  by  lightning.  One  Mexican  kept  his  ground, 
and  vainly  tried  to  rally  his  men ;  despairing  of  success,  with  his  own 
hand  he  seized  a  match,  when  May  ordered  him  to  surrender.  Dis- 
covering the  command  came  from  an  officer,  the  Mexican  touched  his 
breast,  and  said,  "  Gen.  La  Vega  is  a  prisoner;"  he  then  handed  Capt. 
May  his  sword.  Under  a  galling  fire  of  the  enemy's  infantry,  Vega 
was  carried  to  our  lines  in  charge  of  Lieut.  Stevens,  and  a  non-com- 
missioned officer,  and  by  them  conducted  in  safety  to  our  rear. 
Shortly  afterwards,  Capt.  May  presented  the  distinguished  captive's 
sword  to  his  commanding  general.* 

Silenced  as  were  the  enemy's  batteries,  the  infantry  gathered  round 
them  in  solid  phalanx,  disputing  for  their  possession  at  the  bayonet's 
point.  Our  troops,  broken  very  much  by  the  peculiarity  of  the  ground 

*  "  I  have  seen  it  stated,  in  some  of  the  late  papers,  that  Gen.  Vega  was 
delivered  to  Gen.  Taylor  on  the  battle  field,  by  Col.  Twiggs.  This  is  an 
error — certainly  of  no  consequence  after  his  capture  by  the  gallant  May;  but 
as  every  thing  connected  with  (he  treatment  of  this  distinguished  prisoner  on, 
the  field,  must  be  more  or  less  interesting,  I  beg  leave  to  correct  the  error, 
and  to  state  what  befell  the  gallant  general,  after  he  was  conducted  to  Col. 
Twiggs,  by  order  of  Capt.  May. 

"  The  Artillery  battalion  (a  regiment  of  foot)  was  stationed  on  the  9th,  at 
the  outset  of  the  chaparral,  and  was  there  formed  '  in  square.'  This  battalion, 
which  had  suffered  the  day  before  more  than  any  other,  except  the  Eighth 
Infantry,  was  placed  in  this  position  for  these  reasons:  to  protect  the  train 
against  a  charge  of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  to  repair  any  disaster  which  might 
occur  in  the  ordnance,  and  to  afford  fresh  troops  for  the  pursuit,  when  the 
battle  was  gained. 

"Col.  Twiggs  sent  for  Col.  Childs,  who  commanded  it,  and  turned  the  pri- 
soner over  to  him ;  but  Childs,  having  dismounted,  (Gen.  Vega  was  on  foot,) 
sent  an  order  to  his  battalion,  that  the  prisoner  should  be  received  with  the 
honor  due  his  rank.  As  soon  as  the  prisoner  issued  from  the  chaparral,  the 
words,  'Present  Arms'  were  given.  The  square  'presented  arms'  in  perfect 
silence,  and,  as  he  approached,  not  a  smile  of  gratification  or  a  word  of  ex- 
ultation, was  seen  or  heard  ;  (so  much  for  the  delicacy  of  the  common  soldier, 
•who  had,  perhaps,  the  day  before,  lost  his  nearest  friend  by  the  enemy's  can- 


LIEUT.  COL.  BELKNAP.  99 

and  the  intervening  clumps  of  trees,  now  charged  in  mass,  and  en- 
gaged with  the  enemy.  The  Fifth  regiment  being  ahead,  was  ordered 
to  charge  the  batteries ;  in  doing  which,  Capt.  Hooe's  sword-arm  was 
shattered  by  a  grape,  and  he  fell  at  the  head  of  his  company.  The 
regiment  rushed  on,  amidst  a  sweeping  fire  of  musketry  that  brought 
down  many  a  gallant  spirit,  and  they  crossed  bayonets  over  the 
muzzles  of  the  cannon.  Capt.  May  charged  one  piece  with  only  five 
men ;  Lieut.  Col.  Payne,  acting  as  an  aid  to  Gen.  Taylor,  with  an 
ardor  far  exceeding  his  duty,  rushed  forward  into  the  ravine,  encou- 
raging the  troops  by  his  presence  and  voice,  and  although  severely 
wounded,  kept  his  place  in  the  saddle.  At  this  tune  Capt.  May  had 
dashed  up  to  the  Eighth,  with  the  information  that  he  had  carried  the 
main  battery  of  the  enemy,  but,  being  unsupported,  was  unable  to 
maintain  it;  Col.  Belknap  immediately  ordered  the  regiment  to  form 
in  the  road,  when  he  led  it  on  in  person.  While  advancing,  he  was 
joined  by  a  part  of  the  Fifth  Infantry  under  Capt.  M.  Scott.  For  an 
instant,  the  fire  of  the  Mexicans  checked  the  advance,  when  Col.  Bel- 
knap  sprang  forward,  and  seizing  one  of  their  standards,  waved  on 
his  troops,  who  were  now,  with  the  entire  Fifth  regiment,  engaged 
in  a  hand-to-hand  conflict  with  the  celebrated  Tampico  veterans.  In 

non-shot.)  Gen.  Vega  seemed  surprised  at  the  salute,  courteously  and  slowly 
raised  his  hat,  and  the  square  was  brought  to  a  shoulder. 

"  Col.  Childs  then  called  from  his  position  Capt.  Magruder,  who  command- 
ed one  of  the  companies  of  the  square.  Capt.  Magruder  had  known  Gen. 
Vega  before,  and  immediately  insisted  upon  his  mounting  his  (Capt.  M.'s) 
horse.  No  sooner  was  this  done,  than  it  became  necesssary  for  the  battalion 
to  move  on,  and  Capt.  Magruder  was  ordered  by  Col.  Childs  to  escort  the 
prisoner,  in  security,  with  a  small  command,  to  Gen.  Taylor.  Fortunately  no 
rescue  was  attempted,  as  his  command  was  very  small,  and  the  order  was 
promptly  executed,  when  Gen.  Vega  was  introduced  on  the  field  by  Capt. 
Magruder,  to  Gen.  Taylor.  Gen.  Taylor  shook  him  warmly  by  the  hand,  and 
addressed  to  him  the  following  handsome  remarks: 

" '  General :  I  do  assure  you,  I  deeply  regret  that  this  misfortune  has  fallen 
upon  you.  I  regret  it  sincerely,  and  I  take  great  pleasure  in  returning  you 
the  sword,  which  you  have  this  day  won  with  so  much  gallantry,'  handing 
him,  at  the  same  time,  the  sword  which  Gen.  Vega  had  yielded  to  Capt.  May. 
Gen.  Vega  made  a  suitable  reply  in  Spanish,  and  was  then  taken  charge  of 
by  Col.  Twigg's,  at  the  colonel's  own  request,  and  entertained  by  him  in  the 
most  hospitable  manner,  in  his  own  tent,  until  his  departure  for  New  Orleans. 

t:  One  must  record  and  admire  so  much  courtesy  and  gentleness,  united  in 
a  most  sanguinary  field,  with  so  much  devotion  and  courage." — Matamoros 
Cor.  Bait.  Pat. 


100  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

the  charge,  Col.  Belknap  had  the  staff  of  his  standard  shot  away,  and 
on  the  same  instant  his  horse,  coming  among  a  pile  of  dead  and 
wounded  artillerists,  made  a  sudden  movement  aside,  and  threw  his 
rider.  The  Eighth  took  up  the  cry  that  their  commander  was  killed, 
and  dealt  their  blows  the  heavier,  when  he  appeared  at  the  head  of 
his  column ;  the  battery  having  been  carried.  The  Eighth,  then  under 
the  immediate  command  of  Capt.  W.  R.  Montgomery,  and  the  Fifth, 
under  Lieut.  Col.  Mclntosh,  charged  up  the  ravine  amidst  a  sheet  of 
fire  from  the  enemy's  right  and  front,  They  drove  their  supporting 
columns  before  them,  repulsing  charges  of  cavalry  and  infantry  of 
immense  superiority  of  force,  and  although  killing  vast  numbers,  with 
difficulty  driving  the  enemy  from  the  field. 

Lieut.  Lincoln  of  the  Eighth  regiment,  headed  a  charge  upon  a 
clump  of  chaparral,  in  which  were  lodged  a  party  of  Mexicans,  who 
were  pouring  a  singularly  destructive  fire  upon  his  regiment,  as  it  ad 
vanced  up  the  road.  In  the  midst  of  the  conflict,  he  saw  Lieut.  Jor- 
dan, (who  had  personally  charged  the  enemy,)  wounded  upon  the 
ground,  with  a  Mexican  over  him,  in  the  act  of  running  a  bayonet 
through  his  body;  Lincoln  sprang  forward,  and  the  Mexican  faltering, 
in  alarm,  ran  his  bayonet  through  the  arm,  instead  of  the  breast  of 
Jordan.  At  the  same  instant,  Lincoln  cleft  his  scull.  This  gallant 
officer  with  his  sergeant,  engaged  in  a  conflict  with  others  of  the 
enemy,  causing  them  to  retreat,  after  having  slain  three  of  them  with 
their  own  hands. 

Lieut.  Chadbourne  of  the  Eighth,  after  distinguishing  himself  for 
his  bravery,  in  one  of  these  skirmishes  fell  mortally  wounded,  at  the 
head  of  his  command. 


Grave  of  Lieut.  T.  L.  Chadbourne. 


BATTLE  OF  RESACA  DE  LA  PALMA.  101 


The  Third  regiment,  under  the  command  of  Capt.  L.  N.  Morris, 
and  the  Fourth,  under  Major  Allen,  were  conspicuous  for  the  spirit 
with  which  they  entered  the  contest.  These  two  corps  gallantly- 
rivalled  each  other  in  sharing  the  brilliant  events  of  the  day.  These 
two  regiments  charged  through  the  densest  chaparral ;  and  while 
Capt.  Morris,  and  the  other  officers  of  the  Third,  were  overcoming 
what  appeared  to  be  insurmountable  difficulties  to  meet  the  enemy, 
the  Fourth  came  into  the  ravine,  opposite  an  entrenchment  supported 
by  a  piece  of  artillery,  that  poured  a  most  galling  fire  into  our  ranks. 
Capt.  Buchanan,  being  senior  officer  nearest  the  point,  collected  some 
twenty-five  or  thirty  men,  and  with  Lieutenants  Hays  and  Woods 
charged  across  the  lagoon,  knee  and  waist  deep  in  water,  and  after  a 
close  quarter  conflict,  routed  the  enemy.  Lieut.  Hays  distinguished 
himself,  by  springing  forward  and  seizing  the  leading  mules  attached  to 
the  piece,  to  prevent  its  being  driven  off,  while  Lieut.  Woods  sprang 
to  the  handspikes,  and  turned  it  in  such  a  direction  as  to  lock  one 
of  the  wheels  against  a  tree.  A  large  force  of  the  enemy's  cavalry 
suddenly  charged  upon  these  officers,  but  Capt.  Barbour,  of  the  Third, 
came  to  the  rescue,  and  with  the  point  of  the  bayonet  drove  off  the 
cavalry.  Corporal  Chisholm,  of  the  Third  Infantry,  shot  the  Mexican 
Lieut.  Col.  who  led  the  charge.  As  the  officer  fell,  the  corporal  was 
seen  to  hand  him  his  canteen  of  water,  and  but  a  moment  afterwards 
Chisholm  was  laying  dead  on  his  back,  with  a  cartridge  in  his  hand, 
and  the  bitten-off  end  resting  upon  his  lip. 

Buchanan's  party,  along  with  portions  of  the  Fifth  regiment,  then 
charged  on  the  Mexican  lines.  In  the  excitement,  Lieut.  Col.  Mcln- 
tosh  dashed  on  a  wall  of  chaparral,  although  it  was  lined  with  infantry 
and  cavalry.  Under  a"  galling  fire,  he  broke  it  down  by  repeated  blows 
of  his  sword,  and  the  weight  of  his  horse.  The  instant  he  got 
through,  his  horse  fell  dead  from  under  him ;  Col.  Mclntosh  sprang 
to  his  feet ;  a  crowd  of  Mexicans,  armed  with  muskets  and  lances, 
rushed  upon  him,  still  he  gallantly  defended  himself.  A  bayonet 
passed  through  his  mouth  and  came  out  below  his  ear ;  seizing  the 
weapon,  he  raised  his  sword  to  cut  the  fiend  down  wlio  held  it, 
when  another  bayonet  passed  through  and  terribly  shattered  his  arm, 
and  another  still,  through  his  hip ;  borne  down  by  superiority  of 
force,  he  fell,  and  was  literally  pinned  to  the  earth.  The  command 


102  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

of  the  Fifth  now  devolved  upon  Major  Stamford,  who  conducted  it 
with  zeal  and  ability  to  the  close  of  the  engagement. 

After  the  first  charge  on  the  enemy's  lines  had  been  made,  Ridgely 
was  obliged  to  suspend  his  fire  for  fear  of  galling  our  own  troops. 
Duncan's  battery  had  been  idle,  for  want  of  a  position  to  act  with 
any  effect.  Both  batteries  were  now  ordered  across  the  ravine,  sup- 
ported by  Capt.  C.  F.  Smith's  light  infantry,  and  Capt.  Ker's  squadron 
of  dragoons.  Lieut.  Duncan  came  up  ahead  with  his  battery  when 
the  Fifth  was  engaged  with  the  enemy,  under  a  heavy  fire  from  the 
opposite  side  of  the  lagoon  that  crossed  the  road.  Here  he  met  Col. 
Mclntosh,  and  requested  of  him  a  party  to  support  him,  while  he 
crossed  the  lagoon,  and  forced  the  enemy  from  their  strong  position. 
In  the  hurry  of  the  moment  Lieut.  Duncan  did  not  perceive  that  Col. 
Mclntosh  was  wounded.  The  Col.  turned  to  Lieut.  Duncan,  present- 
ing a  most  terrible  sight.  The  blood  from  some  of  his  numerous 
wounds  had  clotted  on  his  face,  and  he  answered  with  difficulty,  "  I 
will  give  you  the  support  you  need." 

Lieut.  Duncan  perceiving  his  situation,  asked,  with  some  emotion, 
"  if  he  could  be  of  any  service  to  him  ?"  Col.  Mclntosh  replied  : 

"  Yes  !  give  me  some  water,  and  show  me  my  regiment." 

Lieutenants  Woods  and  Hays,  with  a  portion  of  the  Fourth,  pressed 
on.  and  came  up  with  Lieutenants  Cochrane  and  Augur,  with  a  few 
men  of  every  regiment,  when,  to  then;  surprise,  they  found  themselves 
in  the  head  quarters  of  Gen.  Arista.  After  taking  possessi&n  of  it,  the 
party  still  kept  up  the  road,  until  reconnoitred  by  a  Mexican  officer, 
who  was  seen  riding  very  close.  He  was  saluted  with  a  discharge  of 
musketry,  but  he  escaped  unharmed.  Again  he  was  seen  moving  to- 
wards our  party,  and  again  he  was  fired  upon,  and  again  escaped. 
Undauntedly  he  moved  on,  held  his  ground,  and  received  a  volley  of 
musketry,  and  most  singularly  he  remained  upon  his  horse,  and  rode 
off.  A  moment  only  elapsed,  when  he  returned  with  a  squadron  of 
lancers,  charging  like  a  whirlwind ;  our  soldiers  delivered  their  fire 
steadily,  bringing  one  or  two  horsemen  to  the  ground,  and  then  fell 
back  into  the  chaparral.  Lieut.  Cochrane  remained  in  the  open  space, 
and  received  the  whole  charge;  he  nobly  defended  himself  with  his 
sword,  but  was  crushed  down,  falling  dead  with  seven  lance  wounds 
in  his  breast. 


BATTLE  OF  RESACA  DE  LA  PALMA.  103 


Grave  of  Lieut.  R.  E.  Cochrane. 


All  order  of  battle  was  now  lost,  yet  the  enemy,  driven  from  their 
entrenchments,  and  without  artillery,  and  with  their  camp  in  our 
possession,  still  chivalrously,  but  unsuccessfully,  disputed  the  onward 
march  of  our  troops. 

The  last  Mexican  flag  that  waved  over  the  field  had  struck,  the  tri- 
color of  the  Tampico  veterans,  that  had  so  gallantly  shown  itself  on 
the  Palo  Alto,  where  it  was  torn  by  our  artillery,  and  had  been  de- 
fended on  the  Resaca  de  la  Palma,  until  the  regiment  to  which  it  had 
belonged  was  literally  destroyed,  was  torn  from  its  staff  by  the  gallant 
spirit  that  bore  it;  concealing  it  about  his  person,  when  all  hope  was 
lost,  he  attempted  to  flee  to  his  countrymen  on  the  east  of  the  Rio 
Grande.  The  poor  standard  bearer,  however,  did  not  escape;  rode 
down  by  our  dragoons,  he,  with  others,  was  a  prisoner,  and  the  flag 
of  the  Batallon  Tanpico^  hangs  a  trophy  in  our  national  capitol. 


Flag  of  the  Tampico  Veterans. 

Both  Duncan's  and  Ridgely's  batteries  were  opened  on  the  retreat- 


104  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

ing  enemy,  driving  them  from  their  last  holds,  and  completely  routing 
those  who  still  lingered.  Cavalry  and  infantry  were  seen  in  confused 
masses,  flying  in  every  direction ;  many  rushing  towards  the  Rio 
Grande. 

The  camp  of  Arista  told  the  perfect  confidence  he  had  in  the 
strength  of  his  arms.  It  was  evident  that  not  the  least  preparation  had 
been  made  for  a  defeat — no  such  thought  had  ever  been  indulged  in. 
Arista  brought  ,with  him  into  the  field  an  unnecessary  amount  of  bag- 
gage. His  head  quarters  were  just  being  arranged ;  his  splendid  mar- 
quee, his  trunks,  and  private  property  were  together,  surrounded  by 
pompously  arranged  walls,  comprising  the  military  wealth  of  the 
army.  There  were  stands  of  small  arms,  ammunition  boxes,  hun- 
dreds and  thousands  of  musket  ball-cartridges,  and  nearly  five  hundred 
splendid  pack  saddles;  in  short,  almost  an  Eastern  prodigality  of 
military  equipage. 

In  the  camp  of  the  army  were  found  the  preparations  for  a  great 
festival,  no  doubt  to  follow  the  expected  victory.  The  camp  kettles 
were  simmering  over  the  fires,  filled  with  savory  viands,  off  of  which 
our  troops  made  a  plentiful  evening  meal.  In  the  road  were  carcases 
of  half  skinned  oxen.  The  hangers-on  of  the  camp,  while  the  battle 
was  raging,  were  busy  in  their  feast-preparing  work,  unconscious  of 
dangers,  when  on  an  instant,  a  sudden  panic  must  have  seized  them, 
and  they  fled,  leaving  their  half  completed  labors  to  be  consummated 
by  our  own  troops.  Never,  probably,  in  the  history  of  war,  had  a 
more  perfect  consternation  seized  upon  a  defeated  army,  and  seldom 
has  one  left  such  singularly  eloquent  memorials  of  the  fact,  as  did  the 
Mexicans  at  Resaca  de  la  Palma. 


MAJOR  BROWN.  105 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

The  fort — The  flag — Death  of  Major  Brown — Intense  excitement — Specula- 
tions on  the  battle — Evidences  of  defeat — Retreat — Pursuit — Mexicans- 
Col.  Curasco — Gen.  Ampudia — Death  of  Father  Leary — Consternation  in 
Matamoros — Terrible  effects  of  the  defeat — Gen.  Taylor's  despatch  from 
Resaca  de  la  Palma. 

ON  the  night  of  the  8th,  the  defenders  of  Fort  Brown  were  permitted 
to  rest  in  quiet.  On  the  morning  of  the  glorious  9th,  their  first  act 
was  to  raise  our  national  flag.  On  the  day  previous,  the  halyards  had 
become  unrigged,  at  a  time  when  the  firing  from  th&  enemy  was  too 
intense  to  establish  them,  the  staff  at  that  time  being  outside  of  the 
fort.  To  meet  this  difficulty,  the  regimental  colors  were  raised  on  a 
temporary  substitute,  erected  on  the  parapets.  An  officer  of  the  Se- 
venth succeeded  in  lowering  the  topmast  of  the  staff,  and  rigging  the 
halyards.  While  engaged  in  this  patriotic  duty,  the  enemy  opened 
on  him  from  all  their  batteries,  with  round  shot  and  shell,  amidst 
which  he  coolly  labored  for  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes.  Finding  he 
was  not  strong  enough  to  elevate  the  topmast  to  its  proper  place,  he 
lashed  it  in  its  position,  and  gave  the  stars  and  stripes  to  the  breeze. 

At  10  o'clock,  a  sergeant  and  ten  men  went  out,  and  set  fire  to  the 
rancho,  known  by  Arista's  despatches  as  the  Fanques  del  Raminero, 
the  buildings  of  which  had  been  successively  occupied  by  our  own 
and  the  enemy's  pickets.  This  act  brought  forth  a  heavy  discharge 
of  shell,  canister,  and  round  shot,  which  continued  at  intervals  for 
about  four  hours. 

Major  Brown,  since  his  wound,  had  lingered  on,  his  friends  bestow- 
ing on  him  every  attention  that  the  circumstances  would  admit :  he 
bore  his  sufferings  with  the  greatest  fortitude,  and  whenever  he  spoke, 
he  urged  his  men  to  do  their  duty,  and  never  surrender  the  fort.  It 
was  necessary  that  he  should  be  placed  in  one  of  the  bomb  proofs,  to 
protect  him  from  the  missiles  of  the  enemy :  the  weather  was  exceed- 
ingly warm,  and  the  air  in  the  bomb  proof  necessarily  close :  this 
circumstance,  perhaps,  joined  with  the  aggravated  nature  of  his  wounds, 


106  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


hastened  his  death.  He  gradually  sunk,  and  at  2  o'clock  peacefully 
breathed  his  last.  At  the  time  of  his  death,  every  thing  around  the 
fort  was  perfectly  still ;  the  soldiers  around  the  dying  man  seemed 
scarcely  to  breathe,  lest  they  should  intrude  upon  his  parting  spirit ; 
nor  was  the  silence  broken,  until  Ridgely  opened  his  batteries  upon 
the  Resaca  de  la  Palma. 

No  language  can  describe  the  intense  interest  with  which  the  raging 
battle  was  listened  to  :  each  man  was  at  his  post,  and  every  booming 
gun  called  forth  an  almost  agonising  interest  to  learn  its  nationality 
and  effects.  Meanwhile  the  bombardment  opened  simultaneously 
with  the  firing  on  the  field,  and  continued  to  increase  with  unprece- 
dented severity :  but  it  was  not  to  the  batteries  of  the  Mexicans  that 
attention  was  directed.  Our  eighteen-pounders  were  occasionally 
fired,  to  let  Gen.  Taylor  know  that  all  was  still  well  in  the  fort.  The 
firing  on  the  battle  field  was  now  growing  less  and  less  powerful,  and 
the  discharges  were  becoming  irregular.  "  They  have  charged  on  the 
guns !"  shouted  one  of  the  officers  :  another,  and  another  was  silenced. 
— "  They  have  carried  them !"  shouted  another  in  uncontrollable  ex- 
tasy.  All  cannonading  ceased ;  volleys  of  musketry  were  next  heard, 
then  all  was  still.  How  eloquently  the  silence  spoke  of  the  hand-to- 
hand  conflict,  and  how  the  blood  in  the  hearts  of  these  brave  men 
went  and  came,  from  excitement  to  be  engaged  in  it !  The  victorious 
result  of  our  arms  was  now  almost  certain.  Gen.  Taylor  and  his 
brave  men  would  either  conquer  or  die.  No  bells  were  now  ringing 
in  Matamoros,  and  the  noisy  music,  that  was  wont  to  belabor  the  air, 
had  been  silenced  since  the  evening  of  the  8th.  This,  to  the  heroes 
of  the  fort,  was  full  of  meaning,  and  the  tale  was  soon  told.  At  a 
little  before  six,  a  confused  rush  of  cavalry  and  straggling  infantry 
towards  the  Rio  Grande,  announced  the  victory  of  the  Americans,  at 
sight  of  which,  an  officer  of  the  Seventh  jumped  upon  the  parapet, 
beside  the  regimental  flag  staff,  and  gave  three  cheers,  which  were 
responded  to  so  loudly  and  heartily  by  all  in  the  fort,  that  they  si- 
lenced the  enemy's  batteries,  for  from  that  moment  they  ceased  firing. 
The  news  had  reached  Matamoros  that  to  Mexico  the  day  was  lost. 

The  distance  from  Resaca  de  la  Palma  to  the  river,  is  about  four 
miles.  Beyond  the  battle  ground  the  road  forks,  leading  to  both  the 
upper  and  lower  ferries,  between  which  is  situated  Fort  Brown.  The 


FLIGHT  OF  THE  MEXICANS.  107 


country  here  is  more  broken,  and  the  chaparral  of  stronger  and  denser 
growth  than  in  the  interior.  Into  these  intricate  thickets  a  majority 
of  the  Mexicans  fled  after  the  rout  became  general ;  hundreds  and 
thousands  of  troops  here  buried  themselves,  waiting  for  the  veil  of 
night  to  aid  them  in  their  escape.  Along  the  road,  however,  great 
numbers  swept,  "  fear  lending  them  wings."  In  this  flight  the  slightly 
wounded  infantry  fell  exhausted ;  horses  that  had  been  shot,  but  able 
to  maintain  their  feet  until  put  at  full  speed,  rolled  on  the  earth,  car- 
rying their  riders  with  them.  The  soldiers  stripped  themselves  of 
every  encumbrance ;  they  threw  away  their  muskets,  cartridge  boxes, 
their  military  cloaks,  with  every  thing  calculated  to  retard  their  speed, 
plainly  marking  their  route  by  the  abandoned  articles.  Squadrons  of 
cavalry,  finding  their  movements  impeded  by  the  infantry,  rode  over, 
without  scruple,  those  whom  the  fate  of  war  had  spared. 

Our  troops  pursued ;  but  their  arms  lost  their  force  when  directed 
against  troops  of  defenceless  beings,  or  individuals  fleeing  before  a  vic- 
torious foe. 

One  of  the  "  eighteens"  hi  the  fort  was  now  turned  towards  the 
Upper  ferry,  sending  a  shower  of  grape  among  the  fleeing  hundreds. 
As  our  pursuing  columns  debouched  from  the  chaparral  that  sur- 
rounds Fort  Brown,  and  saw  the  flag  of  our  country  still  waving  in 
triumph  from  its  ramparts,  they  raised  to  the  glory  of  its  defenders,  a 
shout  that  made  the  welkin  ring,  and  it  was  sent  back  from  the  fort 
until  cheer  answering  cheer,  reverberated  along  the  valley  of  the  Rio 
Grande.  The  want  of  a  sufficient  number  of  dragoons  made  it  impos- 
sible to  immediately  extend  our  lines  so  as  to  cut  off  the  enemy's  re- 
treat, and  Gen.  Taylor,  deficient  in  means  to  cross  the  river  with  ra- 
pidity and  force,  had  made  no  previous  arrangements  to  attempt  so 
desirable  a  consummation  of  his  victory.  With  the  approach  of  night 
all  offensive  measures  on  our  part  ceased. 

A  part  of  our  pursuing  troops,  including  May's  command,  having 
drunk  of  the  water  of  the  Rio  Grande,  fell  back  to  the  battle  ground, 
where  they,  with  the  main  army,  bivouaced  for  the  night.  Duncan's 
and  Ridgely's  commands,  Lieut.  Col.  Child's  battalion,  Capt.  Ker's  dra- 
goons, together  with  Capt.  C.  F.  Smith's  command,  bivouaced  on  the 
banks  of  the  river,  many  upon  the  same  ground  they  had  left  nine 
days  before. 


108  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

Throughout  both  battles,  the  Mexicans  had  kept  up  a  constant  com- 
munication with  Matamoros  by  means  of  a  secret  crossing  above  the 
Upper  ferry.  By  this  they  had  sent  over  their  wounded,  and  brought 
over  their  reinforcements  as  the  contest  thickened.  They  forced  the 
poor  wretches  into  sacks  slung  across  the  backs  of  mules,  and  thus, 
the  agony  of  their  wounds  increasing  at  every  step,  they  were  con-j 
veyed  to  that  city,  they  had  hoped  to  enter  so  proudly  as  victors. 

When  Capt.  May  made  his  charge,  many  of  the  soldiers  in  the  rear 
of  the  Mexican  army,  abandoned  their  ranks  and  fled  ;  and  the  ran- 
cheros,  who  had  hung  about  as  vultures  waiting  for  prey,  finding  that 
our  train  was  not  likely  to  fall  into  their  hands,  rushed  into  the  camp 
of  their  own  countrymen,  robbed  it  of  whatever  loose  valuables  they 
*  could  find,  then  scattered  over  the  country  and  disappeared.  Col.  Cu- 
rasco,  the  "  bull-dog"  so  called,  of  the  Mexican  army,  was  the  first 
officer  that  fled.  Early  in  the  contest  he  crossed  to  the  east  of  the 
Rio  Grande,  and  secreted  himself  in  the  suburbs  of  the  town.  After] 
our  troops  charged,  and  took  the  batteries,  Gen.  Ampudia  also  sought 
safety  in  flight,  and  was  the  first  man  that  appeared  in  Matamoros  after 
the  defeat  of  the  army.  Mad  with  terror,  and  exhausted  by  his  narrow 
escape  from  being  drowned  while  crossing  the  river,  he  entered  the 
Plaza,  and  circled  it  several  times,  unconscious  of  what  he  was  doing, 
until  his  senses  were  recalled  by  his  wondering  countrymen,  who : 
learned  Arista's  total  defeat  as  Ampudia  exclaimed,  "  All  is  lost !" 

At  their  secret  crossing  the  Mexicans  had  but  one  flat,  which  was 
entirely  insufficient  for  the  numbers  who  now,  in  terror,  sought  the 
river.   While  the  flat  swarmed  with  infantry,  the  cavalry  would  charge, 
and,  filling  the  flat,  drive  the  poor  wretches  who  had  occupied  it  into 
the  river.     The  water  was  covered  with  the  miserable  beings  who, 
confused  and  desperate,  plunged  about  in  the  waves,  calling  on  God 
to  help  them,  or  venting  their  impotent  maledictions  upon  those  who  ; 
had  forced  them  to  a  watery  grave.     They  sunk  by  scores,  clutching  j 
each  other  in  the  agonies  of  death ;  and  the  "  mad  river"  fairly  boiled  j 
with  the  expiring  breath  of  those  who  had  sunken  under  its  dark  j 
wave ! 

In  the  midst  of  the  panic  Father  Leary  arrived  at  the  bank,  and  by 
his  presence  restored  order,  in  a  certain  degree,  among  the  fugitives.  '. 
He  took  his  place  on  the  flat,  already  crowded  with  troops.     It  was  1 


GEN.  TAYLOR'S  DESPATCH.  109 

about  shoving  off,  when  down  the  bank  swept  a  flying  column  of  ca- 
valry. Goaded  by  their  riders,  the  steeds  madly  leaped  into  the  boats, 
crushing  to  death  scores  of  their  victims,  and  driving  the  remainder 
into  the  river,  the  holy  father  raised  his  crucifix  above  his  head,  mut- 
tered an  ejaculatory  prayer,  and  disappeared  with  the  mass  of  his  fel- 
low beings  under  the  waves. 

Nothing  could  exceed  the  consternation  that  reigned  in  Matamoros 
on  the  night  of  the  9th.  Between  four  and  five  thousand  lawless 
soldiers  were  wandering,  panic  struck,  about  the  streets.  The  cha- 
grined and  discomfited  officers,  formed  into  cabals,  and  speculated  upon 
the  causes  of  their  inglorious  defeat.  Meanwhile,  Ampudia  was  en- 
deavoring to  prove  his  own  bravery  by  secretly  denouncing  Arista, 
and  declaring,  that,  had  he  been  commander-in-ehief,  he  would  have 
swept  the  Americans  from  off  the  face  of  the  earth. 

The  night  was  made  hideous  by  the  constant  arrival  of  the  wound- 
ed in  sacks;  many  yelled  like  fiends,  as  the  rough  carriage,  and  con- 
tracted form,  started  afresh  their  bleeding  wounds ;  others  were  found 
dead  in  their  sacks,  having  been  drowned  while  crossing  the  river  on 
swimming  mules.  The  women  of  the  city  rushed  to  the  ball  rooms, 
and  tore  down  the  festoons  prepared  for  the  great  festival,  to  be  given 
in  honor  of  victorious  arms.  They  tore  off  and  stamped  upon  their 
gay  apparel,  and  mingled  their  cries  of  wild  despair  with  those  of  the 
wounded.  • 

The  more  substantial  citizens  hurriedly  gathered  together  their 
effects  and  fled  into  the  country ;  many  of  these  fell  by  the  hands  of 
unorganised  troops,  and  their  property  was  divided  among  the  mur- 
derers. Hundreds  of  soldiers  were  scattered  over  the  country,  who 
pillaged  all  within  their  reach,  and  attacked  the  defenceless  that  came 
in  their  way.  Social,  civil,  and  military  order  were  scattered  to  the 
winds, — dark  crime,  and  unbridled  passion  rioted  in  the  confusion 
that  followed  this  terrible  defeat. 

At  10  o'clock  at  night  Gen.  Taylor  dictated  the  following  despatch : 

HEAD  QUARTERS  ARMY  OF  OCCUPATION, 

Camp  at  Resaca  de  la  Palma,  three  miles  from  Matamoros, 

10  o'clock,  P.  M.,  May  9,  1846. 

SIR: — I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  I  marched  with  the  main 
body  of  the  army  at  2  o'clock  to-day,  having  previously  thrown 


110  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


forward  a  bojty  of  light  infantry  into  the  forest  that  covers  the 
Matamoros  road.  When  near  the  spot  where  I  am  now  encamped, 
my  advance  discovered  that  a  ravine  crossing  the  road  had  been  oc- 
cupied by  the  enemy  with  artillery.  I  immediately  ordered  a  battery 
of  field  artillery  to  sweep  the  position,  flanking  and  sustaining  it  by 
the  Third,  Fourth,  and  Fifth  regiments,  deployed  as  skirmishers  to  the 
right  and  left.  A  heavy  fire  of  artillery  and  of  musketry  was  kept  up 
for  some  time,  until  finally  the  enemy's  batteries  were  carried  in  suc- 
cession by  a  squadron  of  dragoons,  and  the  regiments  of  infantry  that 
were  on  the  ground.  He  was  soon  driven  from  his  position,  and 
pursued  by  a  squadron  of  dragoons,  battalion  of  artillery,  Third  In- 
fantry, and  a  light  battery,  to  the  river.  Our  victory  has  been  com- 
plete. Eight  pieces  of  artillery,  with  a  great  quantity  of  ammunition, 
three  standards,  and  some  one  hundred  prisoners,  have  been  taken; 
among  the  latter  Gen.  Vega,  and  several  other  officers.  One  general 
is  understood  to  have  been  killed.  The  enemy  has  recrossed  the 
river,  and  I  am  sure  will  not  again  molest  us  on  this  bank. 

The  loss  of  the  enemy  in  killed  has  been  most  severe.  Our  own 
has  been  very  heavy,  and  I  deeply  regret  to  report  that  Lieut.  Inge, 
Second  Dragoons,  Lieut.  Cochrane,  Fourth  Infantry,  and  Lieut.  Chad- 
bourne,  Eighth  Infantry,  were  killed  on  the  field.  Lieut.  Col.  Payne, 
Fourth  Infantry,  Lieut.  Col.  Mclntosh,  Lieut.  Dobbins,  Third  Infantry, 
Capt.  Hooe  and  Lieut.  Fowler,  Fifth  Infantry,  and  Capt.  Montgomery, 
Lieutenants  Gates,  Selden,  McClay,  Burbank,  and  Jordan,  Eighth  In- 
fantry, were  wounded.  The  extent  of  our  loss  in  killed  and  wounded 
is  not  yet  ascertained,  and  is  reserved  for  a  more  detailed  report. 

The  affair  of  to-day  may  be  regarded  as  a  proper  supplement  to 
the  cannonade  of  yesterday;  and  the  two  taken  together  exhibit  the 
coolness  and  gallantry  of  our  officers  and  men  in  the  most  favorable 
light.  All  have  done  their  duty,  and  done  it  nobly.  It  will  be  my 
pride,  in  a  more  circumstantial  report  of  both  actions,  to  dwell  upon 
particular  instances  of  individual  distinction. 

It  affords  me  peculiar  pleasure  to  report  that  the  field  work  oppo- 
site Matamoros  has  sustained  itself  handsomely  during  a  cannonade 
and  bombardment  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  hours.  But  the  pleasure 
is  alloyed  with  profound  regret  at  the  loss  of  its  heroic  and  indomita- 
ble commander,  Major  Brown,  who  died  to-day  from  the  effect  of  a 


GEN.  TAYLOR'S  DESPATCH.  Ill 

shell.  His  loss  would  be  a  severe  one  to  the  service  at  any  time,  but 
to  the  army  under  my  orders  it  is  indeed  irreparable.  One  officer  and 
one  non-commissioned  officer  killed,  and  ten  men  wounded,  compose 
all  the  casualties  incident  to  this  severe  bombardment. 

I  inadvertently  omitted  to  mention  the  capture  of  a  large  number 
of  pack  mules  left  in  the  Mexican  camp. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Z.  TAYLOR, 

Brevet  Brig.  General  U.  S.  .#.,  Commanding. 
The  ADJUTANT  GENERAL  of  the  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C. 


112  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


CHAPTER   XIV. 

Burial  of  the  dead  on  Resaca  de  la  Palma — Lieut.  Inge — Lieut.  Chadbourne — 
Lieut.  Cochrane — Affecting  Incident— Exchange  of  prisoners — Mexican  ser- 
geant— Gen.  Vega — Prisoners  of  war — Wounded — Gen.  Taylor  starts  for 
Point  Isabel — Com.  Conner — "Jack  ashore" — Meeting — Major  Ringgold — 
His  death — Official  despatch. 

EARLY  on  the  morning  following  the  victory,  Gen.  Taylor  sent  over 
to  Matamoros  for  Mexican  surgeons,  to  attend  their  wounded  left  on 
the  field,  and  also  for  men  to  assist  in  burying  their  own  dead.  It  was 
an  occasion  of  sadness  to  our  troops,  for  the  day  was  occupied  in 
burying  their  brave  countrymen,  who  had  fallen  on  the  battle  field. 
These  honored  dead  were  laid  in  their  last  resting-places,  near  the 
spot  on  which  they  fell. 

Resaca  de  la  Palma,  therefore,  with  which  is  associated  a  victory 
of  arms,  is  hallowed  by  the  graves  of  those  heroes,  who  now  sleep 
peacefully  under  the  sod  that  had  been  mute  witness  of  their  glorious 
deeds. 

Many  a  sturdy  spirit  that  had  faced  the  cannon's  mouth,  and  rushed 
impetuously  upon  the  bayonet-point,  or  received  without  flinching, 
the  swift  squadron  of  the  Mexican  cavalry,  sank  within  itself,  as  were 
lowered  into  their  mother  earth,  those  who  had  shared  with  them  the 
perils  and  triumphs  of  a  soldier's  life.  It  was  mournful  to  hear  the 
rolling  volleys  of  musketry  that  were  fired,  as  the  last  and  saddest 
tribute  to  the  soldier  dead. 

Lieut.  Inge  and  his  fellow  dragoons  rest  side  by  side,  but  a  little 
removed  from  the  place  where  they  fell :  as  the  traveller  crosses  the 
ravine,  he  can,  by  turning  a  few  paces  from  the  road,  rest  a  moment 
by  these  graves. 

Lieut.  Chadbourne  fell  in  the  deadliest  struggle  of  the  Eighth.  The 
sod  that  drank  his  life-blood,  now  rests  over  him.  Nearer  the  river, 
the  road  turns,  leaving  an  open  space  upon  the  right,  in  which  is  a 
grave  slightly  distinguished  from  those  about  it;  Lieut.  Cochrane 
there  sleeps  his  last  sleep. 


EXCHANGE  OF  PRISONERS.  113 

There  was  an  affecting  scene  enacted  among  the  dead  soldiers.  One 
of  the  first  that  fell,  mortally  wounded,  was  an  Irishman — a  remark- 
ably brave  fellow.  As  Lieut.  Dobbins  passed  him  on  the  field,  while 
charging  on  the  enemy,  he  stopped  a  moment  to  give  a  word  of  con- 
solation to  the  dying  man ;  as  he  left  him,  he  said,  "  Have  a  good 
heart,  you  will  yet  be  well."  The  poor  fellow  raised  his  eyes,  and 
vivaciously  replied,  "faith,  I  have  a  good  heart — it  is  as  big  as  a 
meeting-house."  All  the  night  ensuing,  his  poor  wife  sat  upon  the 
field,  the  stiffened  corse  of  her  husband  resting  on  her  lap,  her  little 
child  asleep  by  her  side.  As  the  sun  rose  in  the  morning,  she  was 
discovered,  surrounded  with  the  dead,  her  head  upon  her  husband's 
breast,  absorbed  in  grief.  As  the  day  wore  on,  the  stench  of  the  field 
became  offensive ;  but  still  she  held  her  seat  by  the  side  of  the  life- 
less clay,  and  in  paroxysms  of  overwhelming  sorrow,  she  was  torn 
from  the  dead,  that  it  might  be  consigned  to  its  mother  earth. 

The  last  sepulchral  rites  having  been  performed  for  our  own  coun- 
trymen, humanity  dictated  the  same  respect  to  the  fallen  foe.  Many 
of  the  wounded,  and  all  of  the  dead  of  the  Mexican  army,  had  been 
left  upon  the  field;  and  as  the  sun  rose  high  in  the  heavens,  and 
poured  its  scorching  rays  upon  these  mouldering  masses,  the  scent  of 
blood  filled  the  air.  The  buzzard,  high  above,  wheeled  in  lessening 
circles  over  its  prospective  feast,  while  the  foul  jackals,  that  had  made 
the  night  hideous  with  their  moans,  were  seen  surlily  skulking  from 
the  eyes  of  our  soldiery,  who  were  busy  in  gathering  together  the 
Mexican  dead  for  burial  in  one  common  grave. 

On  the  morning  of  the  llth,  Gen.  Arista  having  previously  pro- 
posed an  exchange  of  prisoners,  Adjt.  Gen.  Mareno  of  the  Mexican 
forces,  announced  to  the  American  prisoners  in  Matamoros,  that  they 
would  cross  the  river  to  the  American  side,  to  be  exchanged  as  pri- 
soners of  war.  It  needs  no  penetration  to  anticipate  that  this  order 
was  obeyed  with  great  alacrity. 

Upon  the  glorious  field  of  Resaca  de  la  Palma,  there  still  remained 
a  portion  of  the  victorious  army,  and  with  it  the  Mexicans  captured 
in  the  battle.  The  gallant  little  band  with  Capt.  Thornton,  no  longer 
mounted  upon  their  war-steeds,  but  on  foot,  and  without  arms,  silently, 
marched  on  to  the  battle  field,  and  in  presence  of  their  former  com- 
panions. The  beam  of  pleasure  lighted  up  many  a  stern  face,  at  the 

ft 


114  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

recognition  of  familiar  faces,  but  no  compliments  were  passed,  or 
greetings  exchanged,  as  among  meeting  friends :  the  returned  were 
still  prisoners  of  war. 

The  Americans,  numbering  fifty-three  privates,  were  with  their  offi- 
cers, arranged  in  line,  by  Gen.  Mareno.  The  Mexican  prisoners  were 
formed  opposite  them,  by  order  of  Col.  Twiggs.  These  officers  then 
placed  themselves  near  each  other,  between  and  at  the  head  of  the  two 
lines.  Col.  Twiggs  then  called  out  from  among  the  Mexican  prisoners, 
Don • •  — —  — • — ,  and  a  mulatto-looking  gentleman,  fantas- 
tically dressed,  stepped  out.  Gen.  Mareno  called  out,  Capt.  Thorn- 
ton ;  as  that  officer  stepped  forward,  the  two  prisoners  crossed  over 
into  their  own  ranks,  and  thus  completed  their  exchange.  An  old 
adage  says,  "  A  fair  exchange  is  no  robbery :"  the  Mexicans  may  not 
have  considered  themselves  aggrieved,  but  we  think  that  Thornton  was 
worth  as  many  Mexican  captains  as  could  be  mustered  in  all  the 
savannas  of  their  country. 

Capt.  Hardee,  and  Lieut.  Kane,  with  like  ceremony,  passed  over  to 
the  American  ranks ;  then  came  the  non-commissioned  officers  and 
privates,  successively  called,  until  all  were  exchanged.  Sergeant  Allen 
was  called  out  from  among  the  American  prisoners ;  a  Mexican  ser- 
geant was  produced,  instanter,  when  the  commanding  officer  was 
informed  that  Allen  was  not  a  sergeant,  but  had  been  reduced  to  a 
private.  Col.  Twiggs  remanded  the  Mexican  sergeant  back  into  the 
prisoner  line ;  the  poor  fellow,  supposing  he  was  not  going  to  be  ex- 
changed for,  petitioned  to  be  permitted  to  pass,  in  a  manner  truly 
affecting;  at  least,  it  overcame  Col.  Twiggs'  heart,  for  he  gave  the 
Mexican  sergeant  for  an  American  private,  with  the  remark,  that  he 
believed  he  still  had  the  best  bargain.  There  were  a  large  number 
of  Mexican  prisoners  left,  who  would  have  ever  remained  in  bondage, 
if  they  had  waited  to  be  regularly  exchanged ;  they  were  handed  over 
to  their  countrymen,  with  the  wounded,  a  receipt  being  taken  of  their 
number,  to  be  held  against  the  Mexicans,  if  the  fortune  of  war  ever 
throws  our  countrymen  into  their  hands.  Gen.  Vega  was  offered  his 
parole ;  he  declined  it,  on  the  ground  that  his  government  would,  in 
spite  of  it,  force  him  to  bear  arms ;  he,  with  Col.  Martinez,  and  ten 
other  Mexicans,  his  friends,  therefore  remained  prisoners  of  war. 

Our  own  wounded  of  the  8th  and  9th  were  placed  in  the  best  con- 


A  VISIT  OF  CEREMONY.  115 

veyances  that  could  be  had,  covered  ox  wagons,  and  thus  conveyed 
to  Point  Isabel.  Capt.  Hooe  was  fortunate  in  having  provided  for 
him  Gen.  Arista's  private  carriage,  the  morocco  cushions  and  delicate 
springs  doing  much  to  alleviate  the  pain  that  would  have  ensued,  in 
a  conveyance  such  as  was  used  by  the  less  fortunate.  There  was  no 
travelling  hospital  attached  to  the  army,  and  consequently  the  surgeons 
had  to  perform  their  work  in  the  open  field,  frequently  with  the  shot 
of  the  enemy's  guns  flying  about  them.  Yet,  probably  there  were 
never  fewer  cases  of  death,  as  the  result  of  severe  wounds,  than  oc- 
curred among  those  of  Palo  Alto,  and  Resaca  de  la  Palma. 

On  the  morning  of  the  llth,  Gen.  Taylor  started  for  Point  Isabel, 
for  the  purpose  of  having  communication  with  Com.  Conner.  Com. 
Conner,  while  cruising  with  his  fleet  off  Vera  Cruz,  had  heard  of  re- 
inforcements being  continually  sent  to  Matamoros  for  the  purpose  of 
cutting  off  the  "  Army  of  Occupation."  With  the  greatest  promptness 
he  sailed  for  Brazos  Santiago,  with  the  determination  to  aid  Gen. 
Taylor,  if  necessary.  Nothing  could  have  been  more  opportune  :  the 
appearance  of  the  fleet,  and  the  reinforcements  from  it,  strengthened 
the  point  beyond  the  possibility  of  its  being  successfully  carried  by 
the  Mexicans.  The  transformation  of  five  hundred  sailors  and  marines 
into  "  land  lubbers,"  afforded  a  spectacle  that  occasioned  much  relief 
to  the  dullness  of  the  point ;  and  "  Jack's"  soliloquies  upon  his  being 
ashore  on  his  "  beam  ends,"  with  a  musket  in  his  hands,  were  among 
the  many  chapters  of  the  excessively  humorous,  that  enliven  the  sad- 
dest associations  of  the  "  horrors  of  war." 

The  singular  simplicity  that  marks  Gen.  Taylor's  personal  appear- 
ance and  habits,  has  become  a  subject  of  universal  fame.  It  is  curious 
that  a  soldier,  so  eminent  in  all  the  qualities  of  discipline,  should  be 
so  citizen-looking  in  his  own  appearance.  Com.  Conner,  on  the  con- 
trary, is  an  officer  that  is  not  only  strict  in  his  dress,  but  has  an  extra 
nicety  about  it.  He  appears  in  full  and  splendid  uniform  on  all 
public  occasions,  being  the  exact  counterpart,  in  this  particular,  of 
Gen.  Taylor. 

At  the  proper  time,  Com.  Conner  sent  word  to  Gen.  Taylor,  that 
he  would  come  on  shore  to  pay  him  a  visit  of  ceremony.  This  put 
old  "Rough  and  Ready"  into  a  tremendous  excitement.  If  Com. 
Conner  had  quietly  come  up  to  his  tent,  and  given  him  a  sailor's 


116  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

gripe,  and  sat  down  on  a  camp  chest,  and  talked  over  matters  in  an 
old-fashioned  way,  Gen.  Taylor  would  have  been  prepared;  but,  to 
have  the  most  carefully-dressed  officer  in  our  navy,  commanding  the 
finest  fleet,  come  in  full  uniform,  surrounded  by  all  the  glittering  pomp 
of  splendid  equipments, — to  pay  a  visit  of  ceremony,  was  more  than 
Gen.  Taylor  had,  without  some  effort,  nerve  to  go  through  with ;  but, 
ever  equal  to  emergencies,  he  determined  to  compliment  Com.  Conner, 
and  through  him  the  navy,  by  appearing  in  full  uniform,  a  thing  his 
officers,  associated  with  him  for  years,  had  never  witnessed. 

In  the  meanwhile,  Com.  Conner  was  cogitating  over  the  most  pro- 
per way  to  compliment  Gen.  Taylor.  Having  heard  of  his  peculiar 
disregard  of  military  dress,  he  concluded  he  would  make  the  visit  in 
a  manner  comporting  to  Gen.  Taylor's  habits,  and  consequently 
equipped  himself  in  plain  white  drilling,  and  unattended,  came  ashore. 

The  moment  Gen.  Taylor  heard  that  Com.  Conner  had  landed,  he 
abandoned  some  heavy  work  he  was  personally  attending  to  about 
the  camp,  and  precipitately  rushed  into  his  tent,  delved  at  the  bottom 
of  an  old  chest,  and  pulled  out  a  uniform  coat,  that  had  peacefully 
slumbered  for  years  in  undisturbed  quietude,  slipped  himself  into  it, 
in  his  haste  fastening  it  so  that  one  side  of  the  standing  collar  was 
three  button  holes  above  the  other,  and  sat  himself  down  as  uncom- 
fortable as  can  well  be  imagined.  With  quiet  step,  and  unattended, 
Com.  Conner  presented  himself  at  Gen.  Taylor's  tent,  the  noble 
representatives  of  the  army  and  navy  shook  hands,  both  in  exceeding 
astonishment  at  each  others'  personal  appearance. 

The  wags  in  the  army  say,  that  the  above  contains  the  only  au- 
thentic account  of  Gen.  Taylor's  ever  being  "  headed,"  and  that  since 
that  time,  he  has  taken  to  linen  roundabouts,  of  the  largest  dimen- 
sions, with  more  pertinacity  than  ever. 

Major  Ringgold  reached  Point  Isabel  with  the  wounded  of  Palo 
Alto,  on  the  evening  following  the  battle,  under  the  charge  of  Dr. 
Byrne.  He  was  immediately  placed  in  the  very  best  quarters  that  could 
be  afforded,  and  his  wounds  were  dressed.  He  complained  but  little, 
and  at  intervals  slept.  In  his  waking  moments,  he  spoke  of  the  inci- 
dents of  the  battle,  and  dwelt  particularly  upon  the  effects  of  the 
artillery.  He  spoke  of  the  precision  with  which  his  guns  were  used, 
and  lamented  that  the  artillery  companies  were  not  increased  to  one 


DEATH  OF  MAJOR  RINGGOLD. 


117 


hundred  strong ;  he  said,  as  his  men  fell  about  their  pieces,  he  had 
none  to  take  their  places. 

On  the  evening  of  the  llth,  the  report  spread  that  the  heretofore 
sanguine  expectations  of  his  recovery  by  his  fellow  soldiers  were  not 
to  be  realised ;  that  his  strength  was  falling  fast  with  the  passing  day. 
As  the  night  wore  on,  death  came  upon  him,  yet  he  seemed  uncon- 
scious of  its  approach,  and  continued  to  converse  with  his  friends 
about  him.  Suddenly  he  appeared  conscious  himself  that  his  hours 
were  numbered,  but  it  produced  no  effect  upon  his  tone  of  voice,  or 
the  spirit  of  his  conversation.  Dr.  Byrne  used  all  his  skill  in  vain ; 
at  a  little  past  midnight,  he  raised  his  delicate  hand  to  his  forehead, 
wet  with  the  cold  sweat  of  dissolution,  and  said,  "  Thank  God  the 
brain  is  the  last  to  die."  He  then  cheerfully  gave  a  few  directions  for  his 
friends  to  observe  when  he  was  dead,  and  resignedly  breathed  his 
last. 

Three  o'clock,  the  hour  appointed  for  Major  Ringgold's  funeral, 
came,  and  the  army  and  navy  vied  to  honor  his  remains ;  members 
of  both  arms  of  the  service  acted  as  pall  bearers,  and  moved  in  the 
solemn  train.  It  was  a  costly  sacrifice  to  the  manes  of  war  when  the 
gallant  Ringgold  fell.  The  slow  march  that  rilled  the  air  as  the  pro- 
cession moved  along,  seemed  to  keep  time  with  each  saddened  heart. 


Grave  of  Major  Ringgold. 


Major  Ringgold  was  buried  just  outside  the  entrenchments  at  Point 
Isabel.     The  small  mound  that  marks  his  grave  would  not  be  distin- 


118  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

guished,  except  on  a  broad  prairie,  destitute  almost  of  all  else  beside. 
The  stormy  breeze  of  the  gulf  at  night  moans  over  him,  and  the  sol- 
dier and  citizen,  as  they  pass,  step  a  moment  aside  to  contemplate, 
and  drop  a  tear  over  the  sacred  remains. 

The  12th  was  busily  occupied  by  Gen.  Taylor  in  preparing  to  start 
for  his  camp  on  the  Rio  Grande  :  amid  his  numerous  engagements,  he 
found  time  to  write  the  following  despatch : 

HEAD  QUARTERS  ARMT  OF  OCCUPATION, 

Point  Isabel,  Texas,  May  12,  1846. 

SIR  : — I  am  making  a  hasty  visit  to  this  place,  for  the  purpose  of 
having  an  interview  with  Com.  Conner,  whose  squadron  is  now  at 
anchor  off  the  harbor,  and  arranging  with  him  a  combined  movement 
up  the  river.  I  avail  myself  of  the  brief  time  at  my  command  to  report 
that  the  main  body  of  the  army  is  now  occupying  its  former  position 
opposite  Matamoros.  The  Mexican  forces  are  almost  disorganised, 
and  I  shall  lose  no  time  in  investing  Matamoros,  and  opening  the 
navigation  of  the  river. 

I  regret  to  report  that  Major  Ringgold  died  the  morning  of  the  1 1th 
instant,  of  the  severe  wound  received  in  the  action  of  Palo  Alto.  With 
the  exception  of  Capt.  Page,  whose  wound  is  dangerous,  the  other 
wounded  officers  are  doing  well.  In  my  report  of  the  second  engage- 
ment, I  accidentally  omitted  the  name  of  Lieut.  Dobbins,  Third  In- 
fantry, among  the  officers  slightly  wounded,  and  desire  that  the 
omission  may  be  supplied  in  the  despatch  itself.  I  am  under  the 
painful  necessity  of  reporting  that  Lieut.  Blake,  Topographical  En- 
gineers, after  rendering  distinguished  service  in  my  staff  during  the 
affair  of  the  8th  instant,  accidentally  shot  himself  with  a  pistol  on  the 
following  day,  and  expired  before  night. 

It  has  been  quite  impossible  as  yet  to  furnish  detailed  reports  of 
our  engagements  with  the  enemy,  or  even  accurate  returns  of  the 
killed  and  wounded.  Our  loss  is  not  far  from  three  officers  and  forty 
men  killed,  and  thirteen  officers  and  one  hundred  men  wounded; 
while  that  of  the  enemy  has  in  all  probability  exceeded  three  hundred 
killed ;  more  than  two  hundred  have  been  buried  by  us  on  the  two 
fields  of  battle. 

I  have  exchanged  a  sufficient  number  of  prisoners  to  recover  the 
command  of  Capt.  Thornton.  The  wounded  prisoners  have  been  sent 


GEN.  TAYLOR'S  DESPATCH.  119 

to  Matamoros — the  wounded  officers  on  their  parole.  Gen.  Vega 
and  a  few  other  officers  have  been  sent  to  New  Orleans,  having  de- 
clined a  parole,  and  will  be  reported  to  Major  Gen.  Gaines.  I  am  not 
conversant  with  the  usages  of  war  in  such  cases,  and  beg  that  such 
provision  may  be  made  for  these  prisoners  as  may  be  authorised  by 
law.  Our  own  prisoners  have  been  treated  with  great  kindness  by 
the  Mexican  officers. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Z.  TAYLOR, 

Brevet  Brig.  Gen.  U.  S.  A.,  Commanding. 
The  ADJUTANT  GENERAL  of  the  Army, 

Washington,  D.  C. 


120  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

Gen.  Taylor  starts  for  camp — Returns  —  Lieut.  Col.  Wilson's  command—.; 
Taking  of  Barita — Appearance  of  it — Proclamation — Preparations  for  talH 
ing  Matamoros — Armistice  proposed — Ceremonies  thereof— Death  of  Lieut. * 
Stevens — Raising  of  the  flag — Disposition  of  the  army — Head  quarters 
of  Gen.  Taylor  —  Governor  of  Matamoros — Prefect — A  plain  talk — Lieut. 
Col.  Garland  pursues  Arista — Is  fired  upon — Anecdote — The  Rio  Grande 
after  the  battles — The  battle  fields. 

ON  the  morning  of  the  13th,  Gen.  Taylor  and  staff,  with  an  escort 
of  dragoons,  started  for  camp.  When  but  a  few  miles  from  the  point, 
he  was  met  by  an  express  that  had  been  sent  to  inform  him  that  a 
large  body  of  fresh  troops  were  understood  to  have  arrived  at  Mata- 
moros, and  that  the  enemy  was  concentrating  troops  at  Barita,  a  small 
village  near  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande,  on  the  Mexican  side  of  the 
river.  He  immediately  returned  to  Point  Isabel,  determining  to  start 
for  his  camp  the  next  day.  At  the  point  he  found  quite  an  accession 
to  his  force  had  just  arrived  from  New  Orleans,  including  regulars  and 
volunteers  from  Louisiana  and  Alabama.  These  were  the  first  that 
arrived  from  those  states,  in  answer  to  the  call  of  Gen.  Taylor  for 
reinforcements. 

The  activity  of  Gen.  Taylor,  and  the  mass  of  business  that  he  per- 
forms, is  astonishing.  From  the  1st  of  the  month,  up  to  the  present 
time,  he  had  not  had  a  regular  time  for  eating  or  sleeping.  Dressed 
in  the  garb  of  a  common  farmer,  and  seated  in  a  Jersey  wagon,  on 
the  morning  of  the  14th  he  again  started  for  his  camp,  with  over  six 
hundred  men,  a  train  of  artillery,  and  two  hundred  and  fifty  wagons, 
loaded  with  army  stores,  having  previously  arranged  a  plan,  and  or- 
ganised a  force,  to  attack  Barita. 

Accordingly,  Lieut.  Col.  Wilson,  First  Infantry,  with  four  compa- 
nies of  United  States  troops,  two  companies  of  Louisiana  volunteers, 
under  the  commands  of  Captains  I.  F.  Stockton,  and  G.  H.  Tobin,  and 
one  company  of  Alabama  volunteers,  under  command  of  Gen  R.  Desha, 
got  ready  to  march  to  Barita.  The  command  was  landed  at  the  Brazos, 
about  one  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  the  15th,  and  immediately  took 


TAKING  OF  BARITA.  121 

/N^s^^VN^^)^^N^y>.'VN^^^N-^^^VN^s^y^^^ tx-N^XN^^-^^N^N* w-s^^^^^-w-^-^^, 

up  its  line  of  march,  three  steamers  at  the  same  time  being  ordered  to 
ascend  the  river,  and  transport  the  troops  across  it,  at  the  proper  place. 
Com.  Conner  ordered  part  of  his  fleet  off  the  mouth  of  the  river,  to 
assist  in  crossing  the  soldiers,  and  to  aid,  if  necessary,  in  the  attack, 
with  the  men  of  the  fleet.  Col.  Wilson  proceeded  up  the  banks  of 
the  river,  momentarily  expecting  an  attack  from  the  Mexican  cavalry 
that  were  said  to  be  in  the  vicinity.  Contrary  to  expectations,  he  took 
possession  of  Barita,  without  firing  a  gun,  the  inhabitants  fleeing  be- 
fore his  approach. 

The  town  was  found  to  be  most  romantically  situated  on  the  banks 
of  the  river,  upon  a  high  bluff,  surrounded  by  the  very  richest  quality 
of  land.  It  was  composed  of  a  number  of  huts,  the  most  important 
of  which  was  the  custom-house,  as  is  usual  in  all  Mexican  towns. 
The  inhabitants  were  found  to  be  idle,  living  almost  without  labor, 
upon  the  spontaneous  productions  of  the  prolific  soil.  Col.  Wilson, 
on  taking  possession  of  the  place,  issued  a  manifesto  to  the  inhabit- 
ants, stating  that  they  might  return  to  their  dwellings,  that  their  lives 
and  property  would  be  protected,  and  all  their  civil  and  religious 
rights  guaranteed  to  them.  He  then  commenced  and  soon  com- 
pleted a  breast-work,  which,  from  the  peculiar  character  of  its  posi- 
tion, would  command  the  passage  of  the  river,  and  the  surrounding 
country.  Barita,  from  that  time,  became  an  important  resting-place 
for  our  troops,  who  go  to  Matamoros  by  way  of  the  mouth  of  the 
river. 

The  people  soon  returned  to  their  dwellings,  and  however  much 
they  were  surprised  at  the  approach  of  our  troops,  their  wonder  knew 
no  bounds,  when  they  were  paid  a  fair  price  for  their  property  by  an 
armed  force,  who  had  already  taken  possession  of  it  without  opposi- 
tion, by  the  mere  exhibition  of  their  arms. 

Gen.  Taylor  arrived  at  his  camp,  from  Point  Isabel,  without  having 
met  with  the  enemy.  On  the  evening  of  the  14th,  he  determined  to 
make  an  attack  on  Matamoros,  if  possible,  the  following  day.  Two 
large  sixteen-inch  mortars  had  arrived,  which  were  set  so  as  to  throw 
shell  into  the  city,  if  it  was  not  surrendered  without  opposition.  Two 
days,  however,  were  consumed  in  preparation,  it  being  almost  impos- 
sible to  obtain  boats  of  any  description,  to  cross  our  troops  to  the 
east  side  of  the  river.  On  the  morning  of  the  17th,  all  preparations 


122  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

were  completed.  It  was  arranged,  that  at  the  same  time  Gen.  Taylor 
made  his  demonstration  on  Matamoros,  Col.  Wilson  should  advance 
from  Barita. 

Orders  had  been  given  to  Col.  Twiggs  to  cross,  when  Gen.  Taylor 
was  waited  on  by  the  Mexican  Gen.  Reguena,  empowered  by  Gen. 
Arista  to  treat  for  an  armistice,  until  the  two  governments  finally 
settled  the  difficulties  pending.  This  cunning,  on  the  part  of  the 
Mexican  chief,  was  too  apparent  to  Gen.  Taylor ;  he  was  aware  that 
Matamoros  was  filled  with  the  munitions  of  war,  and  time  was  only 
wanted  to  move  them  off.  Gen.  Taylor  replied  promptly  to  Gen.  Re- 
guena, that  an  armistice  could  not  be  granted ;  he  recapitulated  the 
circumstances  of  the  preceding  month,  when  he  had  himself  proposed 
an  armistice,  which  Gen.  Ampudia  had  declined.  He  stated  that  he 
was  receiving  large  reinforcements — that  he  would  not  then  suspend 
hostilities  which  he  had  not  invited  or  provoked ;  he  also  said  that 
the  possession  of  Matamoros  was  a  "  sine  qua  non,"  and  that  the  Ame- 
rican troops  would  occupy  the  city,  at  the  same  time  giving  to  Gen. 
Arista  and  his  forces  leave  to  withdraw  from  the  town,  leaving  behind 
the  public  property  of  every  description.  Gen.  Taylor  remarked,  that 
"  Generals  Ampudia  and  Arista  had  promised  that  the  war  should  be 
conducted  agreeably  to  the  usage  of  civilised  nations,  and  yet  the 
Mexican  forces  had,  in  the  battles  of  the  8th  and  9th,  stripped  our 
dead,  and  mutilated  their  bodies."  Gen.  Reguena  replied,  "  that  the 
women( !)  and  rancheros  did  it,  and  that  they  could  not  be  controlled." 
Gen.  Taylor  said,  he  would  come  over  to  Matamoros,  and  control 
such  people  for  them. 

Gen.  Reguena  then  left  Gen.  Taylor,  pledging  himself  that  at  3 
o'clock  that  evening  he  would  come  over  with  an  answer  from  Gen. 
Arista.  Gen.  Taylor,  accordingly,  for  the  time,  suspended  his  prepa- 
rations for  crossing. 

The  answer  promised  by  Reguena  to  be  delivered  to  Gen.  Taylor, 
positively  at  3  o'clock,  did  not  come.  Gen.  Taylor  immediately 
ordered  preparations  to  be  made  for  crossing  the  river ;  parties  were 
sent  up  and  down  the  river  to  secure  all  the  boats  that  could  be  seen 
on  either  side.  That  night,  just  after  dark,  the  army  moved  up  the 
river,  and  encamped  opposite  the  contemplated  crossing. 

On  the  morning  of  the  18th  Capt.  Bliss,  assistant  adjutant  general 


THE  ARMY  CROSSES  THE  RIVER.  123 

of  the  "  Army  of  Occupation,"  Major  Craig,  Capt.  Miles,  and  Lieut. 
Britton,  appeared  on  the  banks  of  the  Rio  Grande,  and  sounded  a 
parley.  Lieut.  Britton  then  crossed  the  river  with  a  white  flag,  and 
met  a  deputation  of  citizens  from  the  prefect,  who  was  the  official 
civil  representative  of  the  city.  The  deputation  wished  to  know  the 
cause  of  the  parley  ?  Lieut.  Britton  replied,  that  Capt.  Bliss,  aid  to 
the  commanding  general,  wished  to  see  the  prefect  in  person,  or, 
whoever  was  the  commanding  officer  of  the  city,  as  he  had  an  offi- 
cial communication  for  him  from  his  chief.  The  deputation  crossed 
the  river  with  Lieut.  Britton,  met  Capt.  Bliss,  and  invited  the  Ameri- 
can deputation  to  Matamoros.  The  American  deputation  crossed 
over,  and  met  the  prefect  in  his  office,  which  was  situated  on  the 
north  west  side  of  the  Plaza.  Capt.  Bliss  then  delivered  to  the  pre- 
fect a  letter  from  Gen.  Taylor,  which  demanded  a  surrender  of  the 
town  and  all  the  public  stores  therein,  stating,  at  the  same  time,  that 
his  general  had  commanded  him  to  say  that  the  rights  of  individuals 
should  be  protected,  that  their  religion  should  be  respected,  and  that 
their  courts  of  law  and  justice  should  proceed  as  they  had  done  under 
the  Mexican  government,  unless  interfering  with  the  rights  of  our 
government,  and  the  necessary  operations  of  the  commanding  general. 
Capt.  Bliss  asked  the  prefect  to  answer  in  positive  terms,  whether  he 
could  return  and  report  to  his  general,  that  the  town  would  be  given 
up  without  a  blow,  or  whether  it  would  be  necessary  to  carry  it  at 
the  point  of  the  sword,  (as  in  either  emergency,  Gen.  Taylor  was  de- 
termined to  have  it.)  The  prefect  then  answered,  "  Gen.  Taylor  can 
march  his  troops  into  the  city  at  any  hour  that  may  suit  his  conve- 
nience." Capt.  Bliss  then  said,  "  here  let  the  interview  terminate." 

While  this  conversation  was  going  on,  our  army  was  crossing 
above  the  city.  The  east  bank  was  defended  by  two  eighteen-pounders, 
and  the  three  batteries  of  our  artillery.  Col.  Twiggs  ordered  the  re- 
gimental bands  to  strike  up  Yankee  Doodle.  The  light  companies  of 
all  battalions  first  went  over,  followed  by  the  volunteer  and  regular 
cavalry. 

Lieut.  Hays,  of  the  Fourth  Infantry,  and  ten  select  men,  with  Capt. 
Walker,  of  the  Rangers,  first  crossed  the  river  with  orders  to  ascer- 
tain and  report  the  number  and  position  of  the  enemy,  if  near  the 
river.  Immediately  after  Lieut.  Hays  had  gone  over,  the  flank  com- 


124  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

panies  of  the  Third,  Fourth,  and  Fifth  Infantry,  were  thrown  across, 
commanded  by  Capt.  Buchanan,  and  Capt.  Lamed.  After  these  com- 
mands there  followed  Capt.  Smith,  of  the  Artillery  battalion,  with  two 
companies,  followed  by  Capt.  Ker's  squadron  of  dragoons.  After 
this  force  had  crossed,  Ridgely's  Artillery  was  dismounted,  and  taken 
over  in  parts.  In  the  mean  time,  the  infantry  already  over  had  taken] 
possession  of  a  strong  place,  to  be  ready  for  an  attack.  In  the  midst' 
of  these  busy  operations,  Capt.  Bliss  arrived,  and  informed  Gen. 
Taylor  of  his  interview  with  the  prefect,  and  of  the  unconditional 
surrender  of  the  town.  Gen.  Taylor  immediately  ordered  that  portion 
of  the  American  forces  that  had  not  crossed  the  river,  to  return  to 
Fort  Brown  and  cross  there.  Capt.  Ker,  of  the  Dragoons,  passed  be- 
low where  the  troops  were  crossing,  and  raised  upon  the  walls  of 
Fort  Paredes,  the  star  spangled  banner,  unfolding  it  in  proud  de- 
fiance upon  the  west  side  of  the  Rio  Grande. 

The  different  regiments  already  on  the  west  side  of  the  Rio  Grande 
were  marched  to  their  respective  places  of  encampment,  without  noise 
or  disorder,  save  when  the  flag  of  our  country  was  unexpectedly  seen 
waving  from  Fort  Paredes ;  discipline  then  gave  way  to  feeling,  and 
nine  hearty  cheers  rent  the  air,  and  announced  the  occupation  of  Ma- 
tamoros  by  American  troops. 

That  evening  a  small  guard  was  established  in  Matamoros,  to  keep 
the  peace.  No  troops,  except  under  command,  visited  it  that  night. 
The  Matamorians  slept  securely  under  the  protection  of  the  American 
government,  a  boon  ever  denied  them  by  their  own. 

Upon  inquiry,  it  became  evident  that  Gen.  Reguena  had  been  sent 
over  to  Gen.  Taylor  merely  to  gain  time ;  that,  even  while  he  was 
negociating  for  the  surrender  of  the  city,  Arista's  troops  were  throw- 
ing the  public  stores  into  the  river,  burying  pieces  of  artillery  in 
wells,  and  concealing  other  portions  of  the  public  stores  in  out-of-the 
way  places  about  the  city.  Arista  commenced  his  retreat  on  the 
evening  that  Gen.  Reguena  promised  to  bring  a  message  from  him  to 
Gen.  Taylor,  taking  with  him  two  pieces  of  artillery,  and  over  four 
thousand  men,  leaving  behind  his  sick  and  wounded. 

A  gloom  was  thrown  over  the  brilliant  events  of  this  day  by  a  most 
unfortunate  accident ;  Lieut.  George  Stevens,  a  graduate  of  West  Point 
in  1843,  and  a  most  promising  officer  in  the  Second  Dragoons,  was 


OCCUPATION  OF  MATAMOROS.  125 

swept  by  the  swift  current  from  his  horse,  while  crossing  the  river  at 
the  head  of  his  command.  He  had  distinguished  himself  on  the  bril- 
liant days  of  the  8th  and  9th,  and  his  untimely  death  was  universally 
lamented.  His  friends,  two  days  after  he  was  drowned,  had  the  me- 
lancholy satisfaction  of  recovering  his  body,  and  giving  it  the  cere- 
monies of  a  soldier's  burial  within  the  walls  of  Fort  Brown,  beside 
the  gallant  hero  that  gave  it  his  name. 

Immediately  upon  taking  possession  of  Matamoros  our  troops  were 
distributed  so  as  to  occupy  the  upper  and  lower  suburbs  of  the  town, 
a  small  guard  only  being  stationed  in  the  city  itself.  Col.  Twiggs' 
command  was  stationed  above  the  city  along  the  banks  of  the  river, 
his  own  head  quarters  occupying  a  romantic  spot  directly  on  its  brink. 
Gen.  Worth's  command  was  located  in  the  bend  of  the  river  below, 
having  a  fine  view  from  his  tent,  and  Lieut.  Col.  Belknap's  of  the  sur- 
rounding country. 

Directly  opposite  Col.  Belknap's,  were  to  be  seen  a  few  torn  tents, 
and  a  number  of  wiry-looking  horses.  They  marked  the  head  quar- 
ters of  Capt.  Walker,  of  the  Rangers.  From  Col.  Twiggs'  tent  you  could 
see  the  volunteer  regiment  stretching  away  west,  almost  as  far  as  the 
eye  could  reach,  centering  around  the  Fanques  del  Raminero,  and 
then  scattering  off  in  little  groups.  The  Seventh  regiment  nestled 
beneath  the  walls  of  Fort  Brown,  which  they  had  so  nobly  defended. 
Gen.  Taylor  found  a  few  trees  that  appeared  to  be  higher  than  their 
neighbours,  under  which  he  pitched  his  "  head  quarters ;"  they  could 
only  be  recognised  from  the  tents  about  them  by  their  disposition — 
they  were  arranged  for  shade,  and  not  with  military  precision. 

Col.  Twiggs  was  appointed  "  Governor  of  the  Town,1'  and  to  his 
especial  care  was  intrusted  the  taking  possession  of  the  military 
stores  left  by  the  Mexican  army.  Don  Jesus  Cardenas,  the  prefect 
of  Matamoros  at  the  time  Gen.  Taylor  took  possession,  was  distin- 
guished among  his  fellow  citizens  for  oppression,  and  for  his  hatred 
to  foreigners.  In  surrendering  the  city,  the  prefect's  only  care  was 
to  know  if  he  could  retain  his  office.  He  never  stipulated  for  any  pri- 
vileges for  the  citizens,  or  seemed  in  any  way  to  think  of  their  in- 
terests. Immediately  upon  Col.  Twiggs  taking  command,  he  sent  for 
this  notable  Cardenas,  and  asked  him  for  an  inventory  of  the  public 
property.  He  stated,  positively,  that  he  knew  of  none,  and  persisted 


126  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

in  declaring  that  none  was  left  by  the  Mexican  forces  when  they 
evacuated  the  city.  Col.  Twiggs  dismissed  him,  and  entering  the  city 
with  information  obtained  from  other  quarters,  soon  began  to  find  vast 
quantities  of  military  stores,  in  almost  all  the  out-of-the-way  places 
about  the  Plaza. 

This  outrageous  trifling  on  the  part  of  the  prefect  Col.  Twiggs  was 
determined  to  notice.  Accordingly  he  waited  upon  him  the  following 
morning  at  his  office,  to  give  the  gentleman  what  is  denominated  a 
u  plain  talk."  The  colonel  laboured  under  one  difficulty — eloquent 
himself,  it  was  a  great  drawback  to  have  it  marred  by  an  indifferent 
translator.  Fortunately,  an  American  citizen  by  the  name  of  Dugden, 
a  very  intelligent  gentleman  of  Matamoros,  and  an  object  of  the  pre- 
fect's special  oppression,  offered  his  services  as  an  interpreter.  "  I 
wish  to  give  this  falsifying  prefect  a  proper  notion  of  his  conduct," 
said  the  colonel,  with  a  variety  of  explicatures.  "  Can  you,  Mr.  Dug- 
den,  do  justice  to  what  I  say?"  Mr.  Dugden  assented,  and  "  the  Go- 
vernor" laid  down  the  first  paragraph  of  his  lecture  in  English.  Dug- 
den did  justice  to  what  was  said,  and,  it  was  thought,  added  a  little 
on  his  own  responsibility,  much  to  the  gratification  of  the  governor. 

The  prefect,  bearded  in  his  own  den,  began  to  turn  a  variety  of  co- 
lors :  his  consternation  increased,  as  the  citizens  of  the  town  crowded 
into  his  office,  and,  by  the  wildest  expressions  of  delight,  testified  their 
pleasure  at  what  was  going  on.  The  prefect  literally  trembled  in  his 
shoes,  and  promised  to  act  better  and  honestly  point  out  the  hidden 
treasures.  But  he  prevaricated  so  constantly,  that  he  was  finally  dis- 
missed, and  ejected  from  the  shadow  of  the  office  he  still  held,  and 
he  left  the  city,  it  was  supposed  to  join  Arista  or  some  other  general 
in  the  interior. 

The  day  following  the  taking  of  Matamoros,  Lieut.  Col.  Garland, 
with  all  the  regular  and  irregular  cavalry  of  the  army,  about  two  hun- 
dred and  fifty  dragoons  and  rangers,  started  in  pursuit  of  the  retreating 
Mexicans,  with  orders  to  harass  their  rear,  and  to  capture  prisoners 
and  baggage.  On  the  22d,  Col.  Garland  returned  from  his  pursuit. 
He  succeeded  in  capturing  a  small  rear  party,  after  a  slight  show  of 
resistance  on  their  part,  in  which  two  Mexicans  were  killed,  and 
twenty-two  taken  prisoners,  two  of  our  own  troops  slightly  wounded, 
and  one  wagon  with  ammunition  and  clothing  of  an  artillery  com- 


THE  BATTLE  FIELDS.  127 

pany  captured.  The  scarcity  of  water,  the  barrenness  of  the  country, 
and  the  condition  of  the  horses,  compelled  Col.  Garland  to  return  to 
Matamoros,  he  having  penetrated  over  sixty  miles  into  the  enemy's 
country. 

The  army  of  the  Mexicans  under  Gen.  Arista,  was  but  twenty-four 
,hours  ahead  of  our  cavalry,  retreating  in  good  order,  our  officers 
stopped  at  the  randies  where  the  enemy  had,  the  night  previous.  A 
ranchero,  at  one  of  these  stopping  places,  inquired  with  great  sim- 
plicity of  Capt.  Graham,  where  the  Americans  were  going;  he  was 
told  in  pursuit  of  the  retreating  Mexican  army.  "Retreating  army!" 
said  the  fellow  with  astonishment,  "why  Gen.  Ampudia  stopped  at 
my  house  last  night,  and  said  that  his  troops  had  conquered  the  Ame- 
ricans, and  that  he  was  now  on  his  way  to  Mexico  to  take  the  news." 
The  man  remained  confounded,  for  it  was  impossible  for  him  to  be- 
lieve his  nation  had  been  whipped  in  battle,  and  still  more  incompre- 
hensible, that  a  small  number  of  American  dragoons  should  seriously 
and  for  purposes  of  war,  really  drive  before  them  over  three  thousand 
troops. 

For  several  successive  days  after  the  precipitate  retreat  of  the  Mexi- 
cans, the  bodies  of  drowned  Mexican  soldiers  were  thrown  ashore  by 
the  current  of  the  river.  Among  the  mass,  were  distinguishable  seve- 
ral officers.  Arista,  in  his  official  despatch,  mentions  two  who  thus 
met  their  death.  The  body  of  Father  Leary  was  taken  out  of  the 
water  near  the  fort,  his  canonicals  still  on,  and  his  cross  clutched 
tightly  in  his  hand.  As  the  Rio  Grande  fell,  it  left  suspended  to  the 
overhanging  trees,  the  bodies  caught  in  the  meshes  of  their  branches ; 
thus  they  hung  in  the  air,  until  they  dropped  piece-meal  into  the 
water  below.  The  very  river  itself,  for  awhile,  became  offensive ; 
mutilated  corses  floated  along,  attacked  by  the  voracious  cat-fish, 
causing  them  to  twitch  and  roll  about,  as  if  still  in  the  agonies  of 
death. 

On  the  battle  fields,  more  glaringly  horrible  effects  of  war  were  pre- 
sented ;  in  the  lone  places  in  the  deep  chaparral,  lay  the  mouldering 
bodies  of  those  of  the  wounded  who  had  crawled  away  to  die. 
Buzzards  and  carrion  crows,  wheeled  in  excentric  circles  over  these 
unmade  graves ;  beetles  and  foul  insects  burrowed  beneath  them ; 
jackals,  at  night,  dug  their  way  into  the  mounds  of  the  dead,  exposing 


128  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

the  interior  corruption  to  the  passer-by.  The  descending  rains  would 
beat  down  the  arch  made  by  these  desecrations,  and  the  pile  marking 
where  a  hundred  Mexicans  lay,  gradually  sunk,  until  it  seemed  as  if 
the  remains  of  so  many  human  beings  scarcely  disfigured  the  surface 
of  the  earth.  A  few  months,  or  years  passed  away,  all  vestiges  will 
be  gone.  The  result  of  so  great  a  sacrifice,  will  be  the  memory  of  a 
few  glorious  deeds ;  the  suffering,  the  sin,  the  dreadful  offences  in  the 
sight  of  heaven,  will  only  have  permanent  record  in  another  world. 

With  the  return  of  Lieut.  Col.  Garland's  command  from  the  pursuit 
of  Gen.  Arista,  ended  the  first  great  act  in  the  history  of  the  operations 
of  our  army  on  the  Rio  Grande. 


MATAMOROS.  129 


CHAPTER   XVI. 

Early  history  of  Matamoros — It  becomes  important  to  the  government — It8 
situation — Appearance  from  Fort  Brown — Red  tower — The  ferry  Anaciiita 
— Its  attendants — Ferrymen — Ranchero — Cattle  driving — Sudden  order — 
Suburbs  of  Matamoros — Mexican  hedge — Sand-bag  fort  battery — Changes 
— Commander-in-chief. 

MATAMOROS,  situated  in  the  department  of  Tamaulipas,  is  one  of 
the  largest  cities  in  Northern  Mexico,  and  from  the  American  occupa- 
tion of  it,  has  suddenly  become  a  place  of  intense  interest  to  us.  The 
17th  of  May,  1846,  the  day  on  which  it  was  taken  possession  of  by 
our  troops,  is  destined  to  mark  an  important  era  in  our  national  his- 
tory, and,  probably,  in  that  of  the  world. 

It  is  said,  that  at  the  close  of  the  last  century,  a  small  farm  was 
situated  where  Matamoros  now  stands,  and  according  to  Mexican  cus- 
tom, it  rejoiced  in  a  cognomen  proportionately  magnificent  to  the  in- 
significance of  the  thing  named.  The  Rancho  was  known,  therefore,  as 
that  of  San  Juan  de  los  Esteros.  About  the  year  1801,  a  missionary 
wandered  from  the  interior  of  the  country  to  the  north,  and  finally  came 
to  the  bank  of  the  Rio  Grande.  Charmed  with  the  country,  he  resolved 
to  establish  a  mission  at  San  Juan  de  los  Esteros,  and  wishing  to  begin 
every  thing  anew,  he  changed  the  name  to  the  more  popular  one  of 
Congregation  del  Refugio,  thus  setting  forth  to  the  world,  from  the 
very  commencement,  an  inducement  for  the  oppressed  to  flee  to  this 
retreat,  which  formed  the  site  of  the  future  city  of  Matamoros. 

As  late  as  1826,  when  the  "  Refugio"  was  approaching  its  maximum 
of  worldly  greatness,  the  supreme  legislature  of  the  department  in 
which  it  is  situated,  having  occasion  to  draw  largely  upon  the  inhabit- 
ants for  extraordinary  taxes,  in  return  granted  them  the  compliment- 
ary title  of  Ville  de  Matamoros.  This  would  have  been  considered 
most  honorable  indeed,  by  the  Spaniards  who  conquered  the  Alham- 
bra,  as  the  name  of  the  city  signified  that  its  inhabitants  had  distin- 
guished themselves  in  the  wars  with  the  Moors  ;  a  distinction  earned, 
perhaps,  by  a  few  of  their  early  progenitors. 

In  the  year  1835,  the  "  supreme  legislature,"  having  farther  use  for 

9 


130  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

money,  honored  Matamoros  with  the  new  appendage  of  Puerto,  and 
followed  it  up  by  the  appointment  of  a  series  of  rapacious  and  unprin- 
cipled custom-house  officers,  who  held  their  uninterrupted  sway  until 
the  American  forces  under  Gen.  Taylor  took  possession  of  the  city. 

Matamoros  is  situated  upon  the  west  bank  of  the  Rio  Grande,  thirty- 
five  miles  from  its  mouth  in  a  straight  line,  and  over  one  hundred  by 
the  way  of  the  river.  It  is  well  laid  out,  the  streets  crossing  each 
other  at  right  angles.  Above  the  northern  ferry  stands  Fort  Paredes, 
a  work  constructed  with  considerable  attention  to  military  art ;  the 
other  "  forts "  around  the  city  being  little  else  than  earth  embank- 
ments, thrown  up  to  protect  the  men  who  were  at  the  pieces  used 
during  the  bombardment. 

The  Rio  Grande,  Rio  del  Norte,  or  Rio  Bravo,  as  the  Mexicans 
severally  term  it,  is  the  largest  river  near  Mexico,  and  one  of  the 
longest  in  the  world.  It  is  throughout  a  river  of  pleasant  scenery, 
frequently  passing  through  highly  picturesque  and  broken  land ;  ap- 
proaching towards  its  mouth,  it  courses  through  a  prairie  country.  It 
is  remarkably  straight  as  a  whole,  and  runs  swiftly,  hence  its  name 
of  "  Mad  river." — There  being  no  timber  on  its  banks,  it  is  not  filled 
with  snags,  but  presents  a  clear,  canal-like  appearance.  In  the  vicinity 
of  Matamoros,  the  channel  is  so  narrow  that  a  strong  man  can  throw 
a  stone  across  it,  and  conversation  can  be  carried  on  by  persons  on 
opposite  sides  of  the  river  with  ease.  The  banks  are  covered  with 
strong  wiry  grass,  most  excellent  for  grazing  cattle,  interspersed  with 
chaparral,  and  the  stunted  mosquete  tree.  The  land  on  the  edge  of 
the  river  is,  in  many  places,  as  rich  as  the  imagination  can  conceive. 

The  city  of  Matamoros,  viewed  from  the  opposite  side  of  the  river, 
seems  imbedded  in  the  luxuriant  charms  of  a  fine  level  country,  loaded 
with  rich  vegetation. — The  first  glimpse  of  it  will  always  make  an 
impression  of  pleasure  and  astonishment.  The  city  is  not  immediately 
on  the  river.  Its  trade  being  carried  on  principally  with  the  interior, 
and  its  carrying  being  done  by  mules,  there  has  been  no  inducement, 
as  in  American  cities,  to  build  immediately  on  the  water's  edge  for 
the  convenience  of  commerce.  The  city  therefore  appears  buried  up 
in  a  vast  garden,  which  seems  to  encircle  it,  its  houses  and  towers 
thrusting  themselves  up  from  among  surrounding  vegetation. 

The  late  operations  of  the  Mexican  army  probably  caused  the  first 


DESCRIPTION  OF  MATAMOROS.  131 

labor  of  any  importance  immediately  upon  the  river  bank.  You  now 
§ee  two  small  forts,  connected  together  by  triangular  breastworks. 
But  for  these  hastily-thrown-up  breastworks,  the  banks  of  the  Rio 
Grande  would  look  as  primitive  as  they  did  when  the  Spaniard  first 
visited  them. 

The  city  of  Matamoros  can  be  traced  a  mile  up  and  down  the  river. 
At  its  extreme  eastern  limit  is  "  Fort  Paredes,"  on  the  walls  of  which 
was  raised  the  first  United  States  flag  by  American  troops  in  Mexico. 
As  you  look  westward,  you  perceive  the  city  losing  itself  in  the  dis- 
tance in  little  gardens,  and  still  farther  on,  can  be  traced  the  hedges 
Jhat  mark  the  small  cotton  fields  of  the  Mexican  planter. 

The  buildings  look  well ;  many  appear  remarkably  fine.  A  splendid 
private  residence,  built  of  brick,  and  yellow  washed,  is  quite  con- 
spicuous, and  known  as  the  head  quarters  of  Gen.  Mejia,  previous  to 
the  retreat  of  the  Mexicans.  Upon  its  top  can  be  seen  the  flasrstafls 

±  i  .  ^^ 

of  the  English  and  French  consuls.  A  large  building  just  beyond, 
presenting  a  white  gable,  has  an  immense  hole  between  the  upper 
windows,  made  by  one  of  our  eighteen-pound  shot.  A  row  of  Anglo- 
American  looking  houses  can  be  distinguished,  that  are  owned  and 
occupied  by  foreign  merchants  living  in  Matamoros. 

Two  unfinished  towers  may  be  discerned  with  some  difficulty;  they 
are  above  the  roof  of  the  cathedral  that  bounds  one  side  of  the  Plaza. 
On  the  extreme  south-east  of  the  city,  rises  a  small  red  tower,  appa- 
rently that  of  a  church.  Soon  after  our  troops  encamped  on  the  east 
side  of  the  Rio  Grande,  in  the  direction  of  that  tower  were  often  heard 
the  muffled  drum,  and  quick  rollings  of  musketry.  The  sounds  be- 
tokened the  burial  of  the  soldier  dead,  or  the  ruthless  murder  of  some 
unfortunate  offender  of  the  military  tyrant  that  held  sway  over  the 
Mexican  troops.  The  known  cruelty  of  the  Mexican  generals,  not 
only  to  their  enemies,  but  to  their  own  troops,  gave  to  that  red  tower 
a  startling  and  curious  interest.  To  the  right  of  the  white  house  we 
have  alluded  to  as  being  struck  by  the  eighteen-pound  ball,  is  a  square 
block  of  buildings,  apparently  surrounded  by  a  wall,  from  which  rises 
a  flagstaff.  This  square  of  buildings  was  occupied,  when  in  possession 
of  the  Mexican  troops,  by  a  regiment  they  called  the  sapcdorcs,  con- 
sidered to  be  the  best  disciplined  corps  in  the  Mexican  service.  Here 
Lieut.  Deas  was  confined  while  a  prisoner.  Matamoros,  from  the 


132  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


regularity  with  which  it  is  laid  out,  the  great  number  of  what  appear 
to  be  familiar-looking  houses,  and  the  everywhere  growing  shrubbery, 
when  viewed  from  a  distance  by  an  American  eye,  has  anything  else 
than  a  foreign  look. 

Passing  up  the  banks  of  the  river,  perhaps  a  quarter  of  mile  above 
Fort  Brown,  along  a  fine  road,  constantly  filled  by  wagon  trains, 
groups  of  soldiers,  and  stragglers  generally,  you  come  to  the  ferry 
called  Anacuita,  nearly  opposite  Fort  Paredes.  The  scene  that  it 
presents  throughout  the  day,  is  one  of  the  most  novel  to  be  met  with 
on  the  Rio  Grande.  Upon  the  top  of  the  bank  are  two  or  three  rude 
sheds,  made  of  limbs  of  trees  and  brush,  just  high  enough  to  accomo- 
date  some  half  dozen  dark  swarthy  Mexicans,  in  a  sitting  posture,  who 
have  for  sale  "hot  corn,"  and  a  vile,  soul-sickening  compound,  de- 
nominated by  the  Americans  "  beer,"  together  with  tortillas,  cheese, 
and  lumps  of  maple  sugar.  On  their  right  and  left  are  large  piles  of 
copper  shells,  copper  balls,  parts  of  gun-carriages,  and  hundreds  of  old 
muskets  and  lances.  This  heterogeneous  mass  of  "  military  stores," 
is  a  portion  of  the  immense  quantity  being  brought  out  of  Matamoros 
by  wagons  marked  U.  S.,  to  be  deposited  for  safe  keeping  within  the 
walls  of  Fort  Brown. 

The  crowd,  in  part,  is  composed  of  all  the  variety  of  blood  in  the 
world,  with  specimens  of  all  possible  variety  of  mixtures.  Northern 
States,  Middle  States,  Western  States,  Southern  States,  and  no  states 
at  all,  have  strong  delegations ;  dark  swarthy  Frenchmen,  and  darker 
and  swarthier  Spaniards,  are  in  juxta-position ;  native  Mexicans  are 
plentiful,  of  every  possible  variety  of  mongrelness,  so  that  no  two  are 
exactly  the  same  shade,  for  in  color  they  range  from  the  yellow  buff, 
through  every  variety  of  nankeen,  deepening  into  the  brownish  red 
of  the  aborigines,  and  running  still  lower  in  the  scale  of  creation,  until 
the  hair  abandons  the  straight  black,  and  kinks  into  wool,  to  cover 
heads  a  white  man  denominates  negro.  Yet  these  vari-colored  people 
are  good  specimens  of  what  they  themselves  are  pleased  to  denominate 
the  "  magnanimous  Mexican  nation."  A  great  number  of  this  group 
were  soldiers  in  the  battles  of  Palo  Alto  and  Resaca  de  la  Palma,  and 
some  of  them,  particularly  those  most  shabbily  dressed,  were  officers 
in  command. 


THE  FERRY.  133 

There  is  not  much  noise  heard ;  two  or  three  stem-looking  sen- 
tinels, that  occupy  the  edge  of  the  bank,  and  show  no  apparent  inte- 
rest in  what  is  going  on,  save  when  they  give  a  fierce,  contemptuous 
look  towards  these  Mexicans,  suffice  to  keep  them  silent  and  respectful. 
The '"regulars"  have  too  much  discipline  to  be  otherwise.  The 
"  volunteers "  are  the  boys  to  kick  up  a  fuss  and  dust,  and  but  for 
their  boisterous  mirth,  the  ferry  at  Matamoros  would  be  very  noiseless, 
always  excepting  the  eloquent  appeals  of  Uncle  Sam's  wagon  driver's 
to  their  "  cattle,"  which  are  Mexican  mules,  that  seem  »to  look  upon 
the  conquest  of  the  country  by  the  Americans  with  more  indignation 
than  any  other  of  the  inhabitants,  and  display  it  by  never  doing  a 
particle  of  work,  if  they  can  help  it,  and  none  at  all,  unless  labored 
out  of  them  by  hard  work,  and  harder  swearing. 

The  ferry  flat  is  worked  by  two  Mexicans,  at  a  stated  price  per  day. 
They  have  permanently  fixed  a  rope  across  the  river,  and  by  it  pull 
the  flat  to  and  fro,  with  considerable  skill.  One  of  them  is  en  disha- 
bille, which  means  undressed,  without  limitation,  when  applied  to  that 
ferryman  :  the  other  has  the  aggregate  of  one-eighth  of  a  shirt,  and  a 
boot ;  they  are  evidently  jolly  dogs,  having  work  enough  to  do  to  make 
them  happy,  and  keep  them  out  of  mischief,  while  their  accumulating 
fortune  from  their  labor  at  the  flat,  has  undoubtedly  raised  them  in 
the  estimation  of  their  countrymen,  who,  I  noticed,  laughed  most 
heartily  at  their  jokes,  and  paid  them  that  deference  usually  bestowed 
by  humble  people  upon  men  in  a  profitable  government  office. 

You  are  obliged  to  have  patience  at  times  at  the  Matamoros  ferry, 
as  well  as  at  some  other  frontier  towns,  as  the  boat  is  not  always 
ready  to  accommodate  you  on  the  instant ;  so  you  can  examine  things 
about  yon.  Here  is  a  u  ranchero,"  that  wishes  to  sell  his  horse  ;  the 
poor  animal  has  nothing  left  in  his  body  from  the  hard  usage  he  has 
received,  but  a  vicious  spirit.  The  fellow  that  has  him  for  sale,  stole 
him  from  an  American  that  he  sold  him  to  the  day  before ;  the  ran- 
chero makes  his  living  by  selling  that  horse,  and  he  will  continue 
thus  dishonestly  to  trade,  until  at  some  unlucky  time,  he  will  sell 
that  horse  to  a  "  ranger,"  and  when  he  is  found  out,  his  days  will  be 
numbered,  and  his  father's  son  will  bite  the  dust  for  his  rascality 


134  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


Mexican  Ranchero. 

There  is  a  Mexican  yonder,  leaning  gracefully  on  the  pummel  of 
his  saddle ;  his  dress  is  that  of  a  better  class  of  citizens,  and  has  a 
kind  of  theatrical  banditti  look,  that  would  have  delighted  Mr.  Crum- 
mels  amazingly.  His  hat  is  a  palmetto,  of  a  rakish  cut,  covered  with 
glazed  cloth,  and  ornamented  on  the  sides  of  the  crown  with  silver 
balls,  that  resemble  stop-cocks  on  the  head  of  a  steam  boiler.  These 
ornaments  have  caused  a  great  deal  of  speculation  in  our  minds,  to 
comprehend  the  character  of  mental  calibre  and  education,  that  con- 
ceives them  to  be  useful  and  ornamental.  His  linen  is  of  most  excel- 
lent quality,  and  wrought  with  an  abundance  of  needle-work.  His 
pantaloons  of  dressed  leather,  ornamented  with  gay  cord  and  a  gross 
of  metal  buttons,  opened  from  the  hip  down,  displaying  most  co- 
quetishly,  wide  white  drawers.  He  is  puffed  up  with  the  gas  of  self- 
esteem,  as  a  hard-blown  bladder  is  with  wind,  and  seriously  believes, 
that  he  is  the  most  distinguished  piece  of  humanity  under  the  sun. 


A  MEXICAN  HEDGE.  135 

Whoop !  crack  !  thwack !  Whip,  cut,  slash,  here  is  a  dust  and 
confusion  —  fifty  head  of  large-horned  and  splendid-looking  cattle 
won't  go  across  the  river,  in  spite  of  a  horde  of  half-naked  Mexicans 
who  are  determined  they  shall.  The  oxen  reach  the  edge  of  the 
water  in  a  drove,  wet  their  hoofs,  and  then  start  back  in  a  rush.  Now 
commences  a  shower  of  blows  over  the  face,  eyes,  and  horns,  of  the 
'poor  animals ;  a  few  rather  tender-pated,  plunge  into  the  Rio  Grande, 
their  Mexican  drivers  leap  .in  after,  mount  their  backsr  seize  them  by 
their  horns,  bend  their  heads  cross  the  river,  or  under  it,  as  they 
choose  ;  the  oxen  struggle  across,  the  Mexicans  tumble  off  their  backs, 
retracing  their  way  in  the  water,  as  glibly  as  if  they  were  cat  fish,  and 
equally  independent  of  the  facilities  of  a  ferry.  The  crowd  continues 
to  gather  at  the  ferry,  some  hundred  and  fifty  persons  wish  to  cross  the 
river,  and  the  flat  has  started  from  the  other  side — a  general  rush  ensues 
to  the  water's  edge,  as  not  more  than  one-third  of  the  crowd  present 
can  be  immediately  accommodated.  The  flat  touches  the  shore,  and 
two  opposing  currents  meet :  one  coming  out  of  the  flat  and  another 
going  in — every  thing  is  in  confusion,  horses  and  men  tumble  out  of 
the  flat,  and  men  and  horses  tumble  in ;  a  perfect  babel  of  uttered 
language  ensues,  and  a  fair  prospect  of  a  war  is  presenting  itself — 
when,  an  United  States  officer  arrives — the  sentinel  salutes  him — he 
orders  the  men  to  fall  back — every  thing  becomes  quiet  in  an  instant 
again ;  the  ferried-over  wend  their  wray  up  the  bank,  and  disperse 
among  the  different  camps ;  as  many  of  the  crowd  as  can  be  properly 
accommodated,  follow  the  officer  quietly  into  the  flat,  and  away  it 
goes  with  a  full  load  for  the  Mexican  side  of  the  river.  So  passes 
each  day  of  the  ferry  Anacuita,  at  Matamoros. 

After  you  get  over  the  ferry,  you  have  an  open  and  picturesque 
road  before  you,  of  nearly  a  half  mile  to  the  city.  Much  to  inte- 
rest presents  itself,  for  every  thing,  to  American  eyes,  is  unlike  "  the 
familiar  road-side."  The  hedge  of  a  small  cotton  field,  now  broken 
down  in  places,  is  worthy  of  attention,  for  it  is  characteristic  of  the 
fences  of  the  country.  Their  being  no  timber  to  split  into  "  rails," 
the  Mexican  cannot  disfigure  the  landscape  with  those  awful  "  worm 
fences,"  that  so  mar  our  own  fields ;  on  the  contrary,  he  plants  with 
some  care  the  thorn  bushes  and  delicate  brush  that  every  where  grow 
spontaneously,  strengthening  them  with  the  trunks  of  the  palm  tree. 


136  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

A  thousand  vines  and  wild  flowers  soon  tressel  over  this  "  breast- 
work," binding  it  together  in  a  solid  mass ;  and  tropical  birds  with 
gay  plumage,  bury  themselves  in  its  interstices.  A  Mexican  hedge, 
therefore,  soon  becojnes  a  formidable  defence  against  a  foe,  defies  the 
most  viciously  disposed  cattle  intruders,  offers  a  shade  at  noon,  and  is 
the  place  of  resort  for  all  the  gay,  the  musical,  and  the  beautiful  of 
the  feathered  tribe.  A  large  species  of  blackbird  will  much  attract 
attention.  It  seems  very  tame  and  familiar ;  a  pair  will  generally  be 
seen  together  mounted  on  some  high  limb,  and  performing  a  series  of 
bowings  and  contortions  truly  wonderful  to  behold,  throwing  their 
heads  into  the  air,  burying  them  under  their  wings,  then  turning  their 
feathers  up  with  all  imaginable  roughness,  and  giving  utterance  to  the 
strangest  varied  scream  ever  heard,  the  conclusion  of  which  is  like 
the  whizzing,  crashing  sounds  made  by  the  breaking  off  and  falling  of 
a  heavy  limb  of  a  tree.  Birds  with  a  pale  ashy  plumage,  and  tails 
resembling  those  denominated  "  of  Paradise,"  flit  about,  and  a  minia- 
ture dove,  not  larger  in  its  body  than  a  robin,  pecks  modestly  in  the 
dust, — the  most  beautiful  and  loveable  bird  we  ever  saw. 

This  hedge  leads  to  a  poor  Mexican  farmer's  cottage,  that  faces 
close  upon  the  road,  and  as  it  represents  its  class,  is  worth  examina- 
tion. The  walls  are  made  of  reed,  about  three  or  four  inches  thick, 
and  ingeniously  held  together  by  others  running  crosswise,  not  unlike 
rude  basket  work.  The  rafters  of  the  house  are  made  of  gigantic 
reed,  thatched  most  securely  from  admitting  the  rain,  by  long  salt 
marsh  grass,  cut  about  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande.  There  are  no 
windows — two  doors,  situated  on  either  side,  admit  all  the  light  and 
air  its  inhabitants  indulge  in.  It  is  a  mere  lodging  room  after  all  in 
rainy  weather,  for  the  Mexicans  of  the  poorer  classes  live  out  of  doors, 
sleep  under  the  shade  of  their  stunted  trees,  or  upon  the  door  steps 
of  their  rude  houses.  The  house  is  "  a  mere  form,"  equally  enjoyed 
by  hens  and  chickens,  pigs,  goats,  fleas,  and  other  domestic  animals. 
The  "  kitchen  garden"  looks  inviting,  though  in  waste, — splendid  figs 
are  ripening  upon  a  wilderness  of  luxuriant  trees, — pomegranates, 
with  their  russet  sides,  meet  the  eye, — tall  green  corn,  of  the  best 
quality,  waves  in  the  constant  breeze, — and,  on  the  ground,  there 
ripen  in  modest  obscurity  good  looking  squashes,  that  in  size  show  a 
near  relationship  to  the  succulent  pumpkin.  In  front  of  the  house  I 


A  MEXICAN  HUT.  137 

noticed  a  large  hole,  occasioned  by  a  shot  thrown  in  the  bombard- 
ment,— in  the  inside  of  it  one  of  our  own  troops  wras  sitting  very 
comfortably  on  a  bench,  eating  hot  corn,  evidently  set  before  him  by  a 
Mexican  woman,  who,  though  she  did  no  credit  to  her  sex  in  the  way 
of  personal  beauty,  seemed  to  honor  it  by  her  hospitality. 


Mexican  Farmer's  Hut. 

Just  beyond  this  thatched  house,  you  are  turned  off  of  the  road  by 
the  "  Sand-bag  fort  battery,"  a  rough  work,  that  afforded  protection  to 
three  or  four  pieces  of  artillery  in  the  bombardment  of  Fort  Brown. 
The  rain  had  already  washed  down  some  parts  of  the  walls,  and  two 
or  three  big-headed  mules  seemed  to  hold  it  in  full  possession. 

The  road  every  wrhere  is  pleasant,  and  cottages  are  filling  up  with 
"  cake  and  beer  shops ;"  the  Americans,  like  their  progenitors  "  across 
the  waters,"  must  be  well  fed  to  fight  well,  and  this  characteristic  is 
taken  advantage  of  to  the  great  profit  of  innumerable  hangers-on  of 
the  camp.  In  one  of  these  little  shops,  I  found  the  stock  to  consist 
of  an  empty  claret  box,  a  jug  of  whiskey,  two  tin  cups,  a  few  pounds 
of  maple  sugar,  a  pail  of  Rio  Grande  water,  and  a  Mexican  saddle 
worth  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars.  You  now  get  out. of  the  fields, 
and  come  into  the  suburbs  of  the  city,  the  road  takes  a  sudden  turn 


138  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

to  the  right,  and  gives  you  an  extended  view  down  one  of  the  streets 
that  leads  "  way  back  towards  Monterey."  On  your  left  you  per- 
ceive the  tortuous  winding  of  the  river  reaching  away  towards  its 
mouth,  and  upon  the  rolling  land  are  the  thousand  tents  belonging  to 
our  army.  The  tents  stretch  out  before  you  for  miles,  until  they  grow 
into  seeming  white  spots,  looking  like  snow  balls  resting  on  the 
bluish  sward.  Nearer  to  you  is  an  unfinished  powder  magazine,  the 
workmen  have  abandoned  it  after  raising  its  thick  square  walls — the 
ruins  of  houses  are  hidden  away  among  the  long  weeds — a  rancher o 
wends  his  way  across  the  broken  field,  and  two  or  three  soldiers  off 
duty  stop  him,  to  hold  a  long  conversation  in  Irish,  and  English,  and 
Spanish,  and  although  they  are  entirely  unacquainted  with  each  others 
language,  they  seem  very  familiar  and  agreeable  companions.  Jl  very 
thick-set,  farmer-looking  old  gentleman,  in  a  linen  roundabout,  and 
remarkable  for  short  legs  and  long  body,  mounted  on  a  snow-white, 
charger,  followed  by  a  mounted  dragoon,  most  perpendicular  in  his 
saddle,  and  covered  with  trappings,  passes  by.  If  you  inquire  who 
that  is,  you  will  be  laughed  at,  for  he  is  the  major  general  com- 
mander-in-chief  of  the  "  Army  of  Occupation,"  and  he  is  going  over 
w  to  consult  with  several  officers,"  about  something  he  made  up  his 
mind  should  be  done  "  nolens  volens,"  a  month  ago. 


PRIVATE  RESIDENCE  IN  MATAMOROS. 


139 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

Tho  bridge — Change  in  the  country — Private  residence  of  a  wealthy  citizen— 
Newspaper  in  Mexico  —  Interior  of  the  city  —  Plaza  —  Cathedral  —  Its 
front — Chapel — Its  worshippers — Halls  of  justice — Head  quarters  of  our 
troops — Mexican  prison — A  prisoner  free — Court  room — Military  stores — 
The  rich  widow — Her  mules. 

TURXIXG  up  the  road  leading  directly  into  the  city,  you  pass  over 
a  very  handsomely-constructed  bridge,  laid  in  water-proof  cement ; 
it  v.-as  a  public  work  in  the  better  days  of  the  Mexican  republic. 
This  bridge  was  more  needed  formerly  than  now.  Until  a  few  years 
since,  there  annually  fonned  by  the  rains  a  lake  between  the  river  and 
the  city ;  it  gave  a  semi-aquatic  appearance  to  Matamoros,  and  was  the 
common  resort  of  the  inhabitants  who  wished  to  enjoy  a  bath.  Either 
the  heads  of  the  lake  broke  away,  or  the  overflowings  of  the  Rio 
Grande  changed  the  formation  of  the  land,  for  it  dried  up,  and  left  hi 
the  place  of  a  transparent  sheet  of  water,  a  little  stream,  bounded  on 
either  side  by  dank  weeds,  over  which  the  bridge  gracefully  arches, 
looking  liberal  from  the  apparent  extra  breadth  of  the  span.  Past  the 
bridge,  on  either  side  of  the  road,  rise  tall  trees,  for  the  country, 
giving  to  it  a  picturesque  and  rural  appearance.  On  your  right  is  the 


Front  View  of  a  Private  Reeidence  in  Matamoros. 


140 


OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


large  brick  house  of  a  wealthy  citizen,  who  was  a  colonel  of  militia 
on  the  8th  and  9th.  You  are  struck  with  its  desolate  front ;  it  has 
hot  a  window  or  door  that  is  made  for  comfort  or  ornament,  and  those 
that  present  themselves  are  protected  by  thick  heavy  batten  doors  and 
shutters.  Up  high,  on  one  corner  of  the  front,  is  something  that  looks 
much  like  a  large  cage.  That  cage  is  the  balcony,  whereon  at  eve, 
steal  forth  the  females  of  the  family,  to  enjoy  the  evening  air.  They 
are  out  of  the  reach  of  stolen  kisses,  or  letters  of  love,  and  Mexican 
jealousy  is  somewhat  lulled  by  this  arrangement.  The  lower  part  of 
the  house  presents  bare  walls,  that  protect  male  and  fejuale  from  the 
assaults  of  sudden  revolution,  of  lawless  robbers,  of  plundering  sol- 
diery, and  thefts  of  hungry  officials ;  that  house  speaks  a  volume  of 
melancholy  detail,  of  the  social  and  political  condition  of  the  country. 


Side  view  of  the  same  Residence. 

"  Hare  is  de  Republica  de  Rio  Grande  y  amiga  de  los  pueblo,  neu 
papier,  one  beet."  A  newspaper  boy,  for  the  first  time,  in  the  Repub- 
lic of  Mexico.  He  is  looked  upon  by  the  inhabitants  in  favor  of  the 
old  dynasty,  as  Indians  look  upon  the  appearance  of  bees — it  shows 
that  the  white  man  is  coming.  He  is  an  old  boy,  though  young  in  news- 
papers, being  full  sixty  years  of  age,  but  he  does  bravely.  "  Hare  is 
de  Republica."  "  Hold  on  there,"  cries  a  volunteer,  "  let  us  have  a 


WINDOW  OF  A  PRIVATE  HOUSE. 
Family  looking  out  at  the  American  Troops  marching  by. 


UNFINISHED  CATHEDRAL.  141 

number."  All  sad  reflections  upon  the  condition  of  Mexico,  suggested 
by  the  prison-like  appearance  of  the  Mexican  colonel's  house  pass 
away,  for  intelligence  has  found  wings,  and  those  even  in  Mexico  who 
run,  can  in  future  read ;  a  new  order  of  things  has  commenced,  and 
sudden  and  singular  improvements  for  the  better  are  bound  to  follow 
in  Matamoros. 

Cleverly  in  Matamoros,  the  first  impression  you  receive  is  the  deso- 
late one  created  by  the  prison  look  of  all  the  houses.  They  have  a 
semi-moorish  appearance,  and  you  cannot  divest  yourself  of  the  idea 
that  a  city  thus  built,  must  be  inhabited  by  people  of  jealous  disposi- 
tions, subject  to  civil  war,  and  of  unsocial  habits.  As  you  progress 
along,  you  see,  peeping  through  grated  windows,  pairs  of  dark  eyes 
that  flash  strangely  with  fear  and  curiosity ;  little  children  retreat  be- 
fore you  with  that  gait  peculiar  to  the  young  of  timid  animals,  that 
flee  from  instinct,  before  they  do  it  from  reason.  The  double  door, 
opened  at  an  angle  to  admit  the  air,  gives  glimpses  of  deep  brunettes, 
throwing  remarkably  luxuriant  and  dark  tresses  over  their  heads,  pre- 
vious to  arranging  them  for  the  evening's  listlessness.  Men  sit  sul- 
lenly about  in  their  fantastic  dresses,  half  of  them  looking  as  if  they 
had  stolen  out  of  a  stock  company  of  a  theatre,  while  engaged  in 
playing  a  "  brigand  piece."  There  is  a  flaunting^  stiletto-you-in-the- 
dark  look,  about  the  whole  of  them.  As  you  wander  on,  you  find 
the  city  remarkably  well  laid  out,  and  although  giving  evidences  of 
having  seen  better  days,  still  it  is  far  from  being  destitute  of  attractive 
buildings.  Once  fairly  in  the  plaza  Hidalgo,  the  principal  square  of 
the  city,  you  can  rest  yourself  under  the  shade  of  some  stunted  china 
trees,  and  then  commence  examining  at  your  leisure. 

You  will  at  once  be  attracted  by  the  unfinished  cathedral,  that  is 
so  managed,  that  the  houses  on  its  wings  appear  to  be  a  part  of  the 
cathedral  itself,  giving  to  the  mass  a  very  imposing  appearance,  bound- 
ing one  entire  side  of  the  plaza.  It  was  some  years  since  that  the 
architect  commenced  the  building  with  most  excellent  intentions,  and 
but  for  an  evident  want  of  funds,  would  have  made  a  splendid  build- 
ing. Two  fine,  but  unfinished,  towers  command  the  ends  of  the  ca- 
thedral, upon  one  of  which  is  laid  a  rude  piece  of  timber,  from  which 
are  suspended  two  bells.  The  Gothic  door  in  the  centre  would  have 
exposed  the  interior  with  great  effect,  but,  alas,  some  misfortune  over- 


112  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

whelmed  its' progress,  and  left  the  bare  walls,  to  provoke  the  imagina- 
tion to  contemplating  the  reasons  why  a  work  so  well  begun,  was  not 
completed. 

In  front,  seated  in  the  angles  formed  by  the  pillars,  or  upon  their 
bases,  fifty  or  more  poor  miserable  creatures,  who  seem,  in  their  po- 
verty, to  have  nothing  in  abundance  but  sunshine,  and  that  they  are 
determined  to  enjoy.  Many  are  disgustingly  disfigured  by  slow  can- 
kerous diseases,  that  appear  to  render  their  victims  hideous,  and  yet 
will  not  kill.  Some  are  slightly  wounded  soldiers  who  have  crawled 
out  of  the  hospitals  for  fresh  air.  Few  well-dressed  persons  linger  in 
their  vicinity,  but  pass  decorously  on  and  disappear  in  a  narrow  alley- 
way on  the  right  of  the  cathedral,  where  we  will  enter.  Having  done 
so,  you  soon  come  to  a  small  room,  no  doubt  intended  originally  for 
the  sacristy,  but  now  used  as  a  chapel.  The  walls  are  plain ;  there 
is  no  wealth  about  the  altar  to  tempt  sacrilegious  hands.  The  adorn- 
ments, on  the  contrary,  are  of  little  value,  and  of  a  kind  in  no  way  har- 
monious with  the  objects  for  which  they  are  appropriated.  The  priest 
is  at  the  altar  in  the  act  of  celebrating  mass,  the  worshipping  con- 
gregation is  impressive,  and  tempts  the  heart  to  join  in  the  solemn 
service. 

Before  you  are  kneeling  some  twenty  Mexican  women,  many  of 
them  quite  handsome,  all  calculated  to  excite  curiosity.  They  kneel 
gracefully,  and,  accidentally  as  possible,  expose  a  fine  foot,  tastefully 
set  off  with  a  small  slipper.  There  are  but  two  Mexican  men  in  the 
house,  shame  upon  the  sex,  but  there  are  men  there  beside,  noble  and 
true-hearted  men,  that  form  a  curious  sight,  all  the  circumstances  con- 
sidered. Some  twenty  United  States  troops,  in  their  uniforms,  are  on 
their  knees  at  prayer,  among  the  most  devotional  in  the  house.  It  was 
a  sight  to  see  those  thus  engaged,  who  but  a  few  days  before  were  sur- 
rounded by  the  terrors  of  the  battle  field,  busy,  prominently  busy,  in 
the  work  of  death.  Such  is  one  of  the  cathedrals  of  Matamoros,  and 
the  principal  building  in  the  city.  " 

Directly  opposite  the  cathedral  is  a  row  of  buildings  two  stories 
high,  variously  occupied.  In  the  centre  are  the  halls  of  the  city  jus- 
tices ;  in  the  rear  of  which  is  the  calabozo,  and  also  a  kind  of  maga- 
zine for  military  stores.  A  rich  widow  owns  the  lower  third  of  the 
row,  living  in  great  state,  within  her  own  premises ;  an  object  of  ex- 


HALL  OF  JUSTICE. 


Justice   and  Head    Quarters  of  our  Troops. 


ceeding  interest  to  the  enterprising  bachelor  "  volunteers"  who  think 
of  settling  in  the  country. 

The  calabozo,  or  city  prison  of  Matamoros,  under  the  charge  of  the 
civil  authorities,  is  one  of  the  most  wretched  places  that  can  be  con- 
ceived of,  in  which  to  incarcerate  human  beings.  You  enter  from  the 
street,  passing  between  two  Mexican  sentinels,  and  come  to  a  thick 
batten  door,  with  a  small  grate  in  it.  A  poor  wretch,  nearly  naked, 
and  wan  from  misery  and  watching,  opens  the  door,  and  you  enter  a 
small  court  paved  with  brick,  which  are  polished  smooth  by  the 
continued  stepping  of  naked  feet ;  on  one  side  are  small  cells,  open- 
ing into  the  court,  and  having  no  provision  made,  when  shut,  for 
light  or  air.  The  doors  were  all  open  now ;  sickness  or  want  of  food 
had  weakened  the  few  prisoners  that  were  held  in  bondage,  until  it  was 
not  dangerous  to  let  them  enjoy  the  light  of  heaven  that  struggled  into 
their  living  grave?.  Imagination  cannot  conceive  the  suffering  that  is 


144  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


endured  by  humanity,  sweltering  under  a  tropical  sun,  and  surrounded 
by  the  soul-sickening  influences  of  this  prison  house.  What  tales  of 
misery  it  could  unfold,  if  the  walls  could  speak ;  how  many  brave- 
hearted  Americans  have  lingered  out  a  miserable  existence  in  these 
cells  for  some  conventional  crime,  devised  to  rob  them  of  their  wealth, 
or  to  avenge  some  fancied  wrong. 

There  was  a  hang-dog  look  about  the  sunken  eyes  of  the  few  pri- 
soners, and,  after  knowing  the  Mexican  character,  one  will  be  at  a  loss 
to  guess  what  crime  they  could  commit,  to  make  them  odious  enough 
among  their  own  people,  to  be  thus  incarcerated. 

Beneath  a  rude  shed,  one  of  the  prisoners  was  busy  in  making  tor- 
tillas. There  was  an  expertness  about  his  operations  that  would 
always  excite  the  curiosity  of  the  uninitiated.  He  had  a  flat  stone  be- 
fore him,  elevated  to  a  slight  angle  ;  in  his  hands  was  a  sort  of  "  rolling 
pin."  He  placed  the  just  ripened  corn  on  the  upper  side  of  the  pin, 
then  rubbing  it  briskly  up  and  down  the  stone,  managed  most  adroitly 
to  crush  out  the  snowy  farina,  leaving  the  hull  to  gather  upon  the 
upper  side  of  the  pin.  It  was  evidently  the  slight  of  years  of  practice, 
and  constitutes  the  labor  of  one  half  of  the  population  of  Mexico,  who 
thus  actually  do  no  more  than  the  work  of  a  few  well-conducted 
steam  or  water  mills.  The  floury  pulp  is  simply  patted  into  cakes, 
and  laid  upon  the  ashes  to  bake,  and  the  tortilla  is  complete. 

In  the  extremest  of  the  cells  was  a  wheel-barrow ;  upon  it  was  a 
jnass  of  something  enveloped  in  a  soldier's  overcoat.  Curiosity 
prompted  the  lifting  of  one  corner  of  this  veil :  a  Mexican  soldier  lay 
there  asleep^  contracted  into  a  space  to  suit  the  short  bed  of  the  wheel- 
barrow. A  soldier,  fortunate  in  his  sleep,  for  his  soul  had  left  its 
prison-house  of  clay,  and  the  terrible  one  that  still  held  his  body  in 
durance  vile. 

Emerging  from  a  Mexican  prison  into  the  fresh  air,  the  sky  looks 
brighter  to  the  eyes,  and  the  soul  seems  to  have  escaped  from  bondage. 
You  pass  an  American  sentinel  in  a  large  door-way  adjoining  the 
prison,  and  come  to  a  wide  pair  of  stairs.  Ascending,  you  find  your- 
self in  the  seat  of  justice  of  the  city  of  Matamoros,  and  perhaps  for  the 
department  in  which  it  is  situated.  The  room  is  fitted  up  in  a  sort  of 
barbaric  splendor,  a  velvet  canopy  with  gold  fringe  is  suspended  over 
the  judge's  seat,  contrasting  unpleasantly  against  a  badly  finished  wall. 


MILITARY  STORES.  145 


A  velvet  cushion,  also  fringed  with  goM,  forms  the  couch  for  a  very  old 
bible  in  the  Latin  tongue.  All  else  was  commonplace.  The  windows 
of  the  court  room  extended  to  the  floor,  and  opened  upon  a  gallery, 
from  which  you  looked  down  into  the  public  square. — The  floor  of  the 
court  room  was  covered  with  envelopes  of  official  documents,  franked 
from  the  different  capitals  of  the  departments,  and  from  the  city  of 
Mexico,  directed  to  the  principal  officers  who  commanded  the  Mexi- 
can forces  against  Gen.  Taylor,  leaving  the  supposition  that  the  room 
was  displaced  of  justice,  and  occupied  by  Gen.  Arista  as  his  head 
quarters. 

Descending  from  the  court  room,  you  pass  back,  and  come  to  a 
court  yard,  from  the  buildings  on  either  side  of  which  American  troops 
were  busily  engaged  in  removing  military  stores.  This  depot  had  just 
been  discovered,  and  was  evidently  one  of  the  principal  in  the  city. 
On  the  right  were  standing  hundreds  of  condemned  English  tower 
muskets :  on  the  floor,  knee  deep,  and  in  strange  confusion,  were 
scopets,  bayonets,  and  heaps  of  copper  grape  and  shell.  The  room 
on  the  left  contained  an  immense  quantity  of  clothing  fantastically  cut 
and  trimmed,  which  caused  one  of  our  troops  to  remark,  "  it  must 
have  been  intended  for  showmen's  monkeys."  With  the  clothing 
were  various  crude  war  implements,  belts,  cartridge  boxes,  cases  of 
canister  shot,  and  cannon  ball,  which  had  been  originally  packed  by 
mule  loads,  in  green  ox  hide,  the  hide,  when  drying,  having  drawn 
them  together  as  tightly  as  if  they  were  a  solid  mass  of  iron.  All 
this  military  rubbish  our  troops  were  removing ;  it  cost  hundreds  of 
thousands  of  dollars  to  the  Mexicans.  Save  the  grape  and  ball,  the 
whole  was  to  us  of  little  value.  In  breaking  up  the  canisters,  several 
were  found  filled  up  with  small  pieces  of  bar  iron,  old  keys,  and  glass  ; 
the  great  majority,  however,  were  of  copper  grape. 

In  a  little  recess,  evidently  intended  for  it,  reposed  quietly  a  small 
mountain  howitzer,  with  carriage  and  equipments  complete.  It  was 
a  small  piece  of  cannon,  truly,  and  compares  with  our  eighteen-pound- 
ers,  as  a  humming  bird  does  with  an  eagle.  "  The  officer  of  the  day,"' 
looking  at,  said  it  was  an  effective  weapon  in  "  the  narrow  mountain 
passes,"  where  heavier  artillery  could  not  be  taken. 

Leaving  these  "  stern  realities  of  war,"  you  can,  by  going  down  the 
plaza  a  house  or  two,  enter  through  a  sort  of  half  public  way  into 

10 


146  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

the  court  of  the  rich  widow's  residence.  It  is  a  splendid  place,  of 
immense  size,  bounded  on  two  sides  by  large  and  handsomely-orna- 
mented galleries,  the  whole  interior  more  beautiful,  as  with  all  Spanish 
houses,  than  the  dull  front  would  promise.  The  garden  abounded  with 
fig  and  pomegranate  trees,  and  a  variety  of  tropical  shrubs.  The  widow, 
however,  was  secluded  within  the  thick  walls  and  the  heavy  curtains 
of  her  own  apartments,  giving  neither  stranger  or  friend,  as  far  as  we 
could  learn,  a  view  of  her  weeds  and  dark  eye  lashes.  An  American, 
however,  will  be  indebted  to  that  rich  widow  for  a  surprise,  if  he  will 
step  under  an  angle  of  the  house,  and  look  well  at  her  "  carriage  horses." 

It  is  wonderful,  that  among  the  most  remarkable  things  in  Mata- 
moros  to  unsophisticated  American  eyes,  should  be  a  pair  of  mules, 
strange  and  peculiar  as  all  else  is.  The  widow's  carriage  mules — 
who  could  look  at  them,  and  ever  forget  the  sight  ?  A  mule,  forsooth ! 
who  could  dwell  for  a  moment  on  its  beauties,  big  headed,  long  eared, 
mongrel,  monster  beast  ?  The  widow's  mules,  however,  were  beautiful, 
and  yet  they  looked  exactly  like  mules.  A  fact  that  can  be  explained 
in  the  extraordinary  resemblance  that  is  often  noticed  between  a  lovely 
girl  of  sixteen,  radiant  in  charms,  who  is  a  precise  counterpart,  in 
every  feature,  to  her  ugly,  ill-natured,  freckled,  furrowed  papa. 

The  widow's  mules  were  sublemented  certainly — their  heads  were 
small,  and  possessed  of  delicate  nostrils,  that  dilated  with  breathing, 
as  if  they  were  formed  of  brocade  satin.  Their  ears  were  pointed, 
and  blood-like,  as  any  descendant  of  Godolphin  Arabian,  with  fine 
legs,  ending  in  hoofs  so  delicate,  that  one  felt  disposed  to  take  them 
in  the  hand,  and  toy  with  them.  The  widow's  mules  would  convince 
the  skeptical,  that  the  ass  in  the  east  may  be,  without  absurdity, 
"  royal ;"  how,  and  where,  did  the  rich  widow  of  Matamoros  get 
these  mules  ? 

Coming  again  into  the  plaza,  you  can  rest  yourself  upon  a  pile  of 
boxes,  just  taken  out  of  the  Mexican  armory.  A  long  train  of  wagons 
marked  U.  S.  on  their  covers,  are  coming  along  to  take  them  away; 
the  few  Mexicans  about,  look  on  surlily,  but  the  boxes  are  taken  off 
to  Fort  Brown  as  cavalierly  as  if  they  were  from  one  of  our  own 
depots.  In  the  Calle  Iturbide,  just  round  the  corner,  is  a  refectory 
worthy  of  notice,  and  there  one  can  rest  comfortably  after  the  fatigues 
of  a  morning's-"  looking"  excitement. 


CHAPEL  DE  LA  CAPILLA. 


147 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Chapel  de  la  Capilla — Its  use  by  Gen.  Arista — Its  ornaments — Its  worship- 
pers— Incident — The  grated  house — Suburbs  of  the  town — The  ruined  bar- 
racks— The  red  tower — Scene  suggested — Mexican  hospitals — Treatment 
of  the  sick — Their  appearance — The  artillery — Musket  wound — Market 
square — Its  commodities — Queer  dogs — Mexican  exquisite. 

Ix  the  "  upper  square"  is  a  curiously-constructed  building,  known 
as  the  Chapel  de  la  Capilla,  giving  its  name  to  the  square  itself,  that 
will  attract  attention  by  the  crude  taste  displayed  in  ornamenting  its 
front.  It  appears  to  have  been  painted  some  light  dingy  color,  and 
then  streaked  with  a  large  brush  along  its  front  with  red  paint.  The 
instant  it  was  convenient  for  the  Mexican  commanders  to  use  this 
chapel  for  military  purposes,  they  turned  out  the  sacred  furniture  of 


Chapel  de  la  Capilla, 


148  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

the  altar,  and  all  the  ornaments,  throwing  them  in  confused  heaps, 
and  in  their  place  piled  up  the  ammunition  of  the  army.  After  the 
battles,  it  was  used  for  a  few  days  as  a  hospital  for  the  wounded,  and 
then  restored  to  its  legitimate  uses. 

The  Chapel  de  la  Capilla  is  better  furnished  than  the  one  in  the 
cathedral:  but  the  great  poverty  about  everything,  shows  that  the 
people  of  Matamoros  are  any  thing  than  enthusiastic  or  liberal  in  re- 
ligious matters.  Over  the  altar,  there  were  to  be  seen  two  wax  figures, 
about  three  feet  in  height,  representing  "  the  Father"  and  "  the  Vir- 
gin." They  were  dressed  precisely  as  were  the  people  in  the  streets, 
and,  save  a  more  elevated  expression  about  the  face,  given  by  the 
mysterious  light  that  played  on  them  from  above,  and  the  deathly  look 
of  the  wax  of  which  they  were  composed,  they  might  have  been  mis- 
taken for  the  common  Mexican  effigies,  in  the  making  of  which  these 
people  are  singularly  expert. 

On  the  threshold  of  the  chapel,  was  kneeling  in  solemn  prayer,  a 
Mexican  girl,  robed  in  pure  white ;  her  regular,  dark  features,  mingled 
in  them  the  Castilian  and  aboriginal  blood  most  witchingly,  giving  to 
them  a  warm  expression,  truly  like  the  mellow,  golden  flesh  tints  seen 
in  an  old  picture.  Large  tears  were  threaded  on  her  dark  eye  lashes, 
and  as  she  raised  her  eyes  in  prayer,  one  involuntarily  thought  of  the 
females  that  look  out  from  the  creations  of  Corregio.  When  the 
priest  concluded  his  prayer,  offered  up  for  the  sick  and  afflicted,  she 
turned  her  head  for  a  moment,  when  a  familiar  recognition  followed ; 
a  tinge  of  interest  in  worldly  things  shaded  the  spiritual  face.  The 
vanity  was  flattered  by  the  remembrance ;  arid  the  recognition  called 
to  mind  by  a  kindly  service  rendered  to  a  wounded  officer  in  one  of 
the  hospitals,  who  was  attended  by  a  delicate  girl,  clad  at  the  time  in 
the  common  dress  of  the  country,  and  who  was  remarkably  attentive 
to  his  wants.  This  daughter  was  now  praying  for  the  recovery  of  a 
parent,  over  whom  she  daily  and  nightly  watched,  regardless  of  all 
the  terrible  and  humiliating  scenes  around  her. 

Leaving  the  chapel,  and  going  towards  the  river,  you  will  be  struck 
with  the  appearance  of  a  private  residence,  having  extra  large  bars 
across  the  window ;  the  damaged  condition  of  the  front,  being  done 
by  the  shot  during  the  bombardment. 


SUBURBS  OF  MATAMOROS. 


Private  Dwelling,  Matamoros. 

The  fears  of  the  inmates,  joined  with  the  clumsiness  of  the  iron 
worker,  have  made  this  dwelling  look  like  a  perfect  calalow,  but  a 
peep  through  the  open  gate  gives  you  a  glimpse  of  an  enchanting 
court,  in  which  Avere  seen  gay-plumaged  birds  in  cages,  and  inviting 
arbors  formed  by  the  rich  tropical  foliage. 

Farther  still  towards  the  river,  are  the  lower  suburbs  of  the  town ; 
here  the  land  is  considerably  broken,  and  on  the  rising  ground  are 
the  ruins  of  what  apparently  Avere  several  fine  houses.  A  little  off 
the  road  stand  the  Avails  of  an  unfinished  poAvder  magazine.  The 
suspension  of  this  public  work  was  probably  OAving  to  a  Avant  of  go- 
vernment funds  for  its  completion.  Keeping  to  the  right,  you  pass 
through  a  street  lined  on  either  side  with  half  rural-looking  habita- 
tions, some  of  which  are  quite  pretty,  when  suddenly  the  road  opens 
into  a  large  parade  ground,  one  side  of  which  is  bounded  by  spacious, 
and,  originally,  very  handsome  barracks. 

The  front  is  plain,  and  the  pavement  being  good,  and  furnished  at 
either  end  with  handsome  brick  guard  houses,  the  Avhole  has  a  very 
military  appearance.  A  feAv  years  since  a  hurricane  passed1  over  Ma- 
tamoros, and  on  its  way  unroofed  this  building ;  a  portion  of  the 


150 


OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


roof  still  lies  across  the  front.  Curiosity  prompts  the  passer-by  to 
enter,  through  the  once  strongly  fortified  doorway.  The  interior  has 
a  perfectly  Spanish  appearance ;  the  walls  are  terribly  thick,  and  all 
the  rooms  are  dungeon-like.  This  building  seemed  to  have  been 
recently  occupied  by  troops.  Passing  from  the  court,  you  ascend  by 
wide  but  steep  steps  to  the  upper  walls ;  and  while  engaged  in  fol- 
lowing the  range  of  the  loop  holes,  and  observing  how  perfectly  a 
few  soldiers  behind  the  strong  breastwork  could  command  the  inside 
of  the  whole  barracks,  it  suddenly  flashes  on  the  mind,  that  the 
strongly-built  guard  house  that  surmounts  this  wall,  is  the  red  tower 
that,  while  the  Mexicans  still  held  the  city,  so  intensely  interested  our 
troops. 


Barracks,  Suburbs  of  Matamoros. 

During  the  bombardment  of  Fort  Brown,  and  when  Matamoros  was 
thronged  with  troops,  almost  every  evening,  solemn  music  was  heard, 
which  seemed  to  proceed  from  the  plaza,  and  move  towards  this  red 
tower.  At  sunset  volleys  of  musketry  were  fired,  followed  by  a  cloud 
of  white  smoke  circling  round  this  tower.  This  signified  either  a 
funeral,  or  an  execution. 

One  can  stand  at  the  base  of  this  red  tower,  and  overlook  the 


HOSPITALS  IN  MATAMOROS.  151 

various  courts  of  the  barracks.  Directly  in  front  is  the  main  one — the 
parade  ground.  Imagination,  prompted  by  the  well-known  summary 
executions  of  the  military  despots  of  Mexico,  can  readily  call  up 
some  poor  wretch  brought  out  for  sacrifice ;  see  him  pinioned  and 
kneeling  in  bold  relief  against  the  barrack  wall,  while  overhead,  and 
opposite,  in  all  the  panoply  of  abused  authority,  stands  the  cruel-hearted 
military  tyrant,  coolly  giving  directions  for  the  execution.  An  irregular 
discharge  of  fire  arms  follows,  the  ghastly  mutilated  victim  starts 
convulsively  forward :  his  comrades,  their  hearts  brutalised  by  the 
constant  sight  of  blood,  rush,  with  eager  haste,  to  drive  their  knives 
into  his  heart;  so  passes  a  military  execution  in  Mexico. 

When  Gen.  Taylor  took  Matamoros,  it  was  represented  to  him  by 
public  scandal,  that  there  were  fifty  or  sixty  persons  in  it,  who  were 
wounded  in  the  battles.  The  number  was  considered  remarkably 
small,  and  created  some  surprise.  After  the  public  stores  were  taken 
possession  of,  there  was  found  among  them  a  quantity  of  tobacco,  a 
portion  of  the  best  was  divided  out  among  our  troops,  and  the  re- 
mainder Gen.  Taylor  ordered  to  be  sold  at  auction,  the  proceeds  to 
be  applied  to  the  relief  of  the  wounded  Mexican  soldiers.  This  led 
to  some  examination,  when  to  the  surprise  of  all,  the  "  commission" 
appointed-  to  inquire  into  the  number,  reported  nearly  four  hundred 
sick  and  wounded.  This  startling  fact  justified  the  American  estimate 
of  the  deadly  effect  of  our  arms,  which  was  so  flatly  contradicted,  by 
the  number  of  wounded  first  reported  as  being  in  the  city  bv  the 
Mexicans. 

A  visitor  in  Matamoros  would  find  the  hospitals  places  of  melan- 
choly interest,  and  sources  of  constant  surprise.  They  developed 
traits  of  the  .Mexican  character,  no  where  else  exhibited.  The  veil  is 
torn  away  in  these  receptables  of  suffering  humanity,  and  it  was  a 
matter  of  serious  speculation,  whether  the  horrors  of  war  were  not 
eclipsed  by  the  horrors  of  the  social  condition  of  the  poor  wretches, 
whose  mutilated  bodies  were  strewn  around.  Not  a  street  in  Mata- 
moros is  destitute  of  its  hospital,  and  as  you  move  about,  a  curtain 
before  the  door  of  some  private  house  would  blow  aside,  and  reveal 
the  cot,  with  the  attenuated  form  stretched  under  a  sheet,  surrounded 
by  silent  nurses,  that  seemed  to  be  dark  figures,  wrought  into  the  solid 
walls  against  \vhich  they  were  relieved. 


152  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

There  were  plenty  of  excellent  houses  for  the  Mexicans  to  place 
their  wounded  into,  but  their  officials  paid  no  attention  to  comfort,  even 
where  it  was  as  easily  obtained  as  the  miserable  places  in  which  the 
wounded  were  often  thrown,  as  useless  remains  of  a  defeated  battle 
field.  Hence  the  meson-)  a  dirty,  low  building,  the  public  inn  of  the 
place,  where  horses  and  men  find,  with  equal  accommodation,  a  lodg- 
ing for  the  night,  \vas  chosen,  among  other  indifferent  places,  as  an 
hospital.  In  the  city,  better  buildings  were  appropriated  to  such  uses, 
but  in  all  were  the  same  indifferent  attentions,  or  rather  "neglects" 
of  the  invalids. 

The  sick  generally  lay  upon  the  ground ;  some  few  enjoyed  the 
luxury  of  a  raw  hide  to  repose  upon,  and  a  block  of  wood  to  support 
their  heads ;  a  sheet  of  white  cotton  was  wrapped  closely  about  their 
attenuated  frames,  exaggerating  the  horrors  they  partially  concealed. 
Some  passed  their  time  in  heavy  sleep,  with  half-opened  eyes,  that 
leered  upon  the  spectator  more  horribly  than  did  those  of  the  un- 
buried  dead  at  Palo  Alto.  Some  never  slept,  but  ever  looked  with  eyes 
of  living  coals  of  fire,  that  betrayed  the  fever  that  was  consuming 
them ;  some  swayed  to  and  fro,  as  if  impatient  of  the  restraints  of 
sickness,  and  were  longing  for  their  far  mountain  homes,  from  which 
they  had  been  torn  to  fight  battles  in  which  they  had  no  interest ; 
some  sat  doggedly  staring  into  the  dust,  with  scarce  sense  enough  to 
feel,  or  mind  sufficient  to  speculate  upon  their  condition. 

Were  these  indeed  the  brave  soldiers  of  the  8th  and  9th,  who  had 
about  them  their  ghastly  titles  that  showed  they  had  been  in  the 
thickest  of  the  fight  ?  Were  these  men  Mexicans  ?  Were  such  va- 
rieties of  colors  all  equal  in  social  condition  ?  Even  so.  The  Castilian 
with  auburn  hair,  the  swarthy  Indian  with  straight,  the  dark  negro 
with  kinked,  with  all  their  intermediate  mixtures,  lay  side  by  side,  all 
Mexicans,  all  of  the  same  sympathies,  feelings,  language.  All  moved 
in  their  winding  sheets,  evidently  equal  in  mind  and  body.  To  the 
American,  who  makes  distinction  in  colors,  this  strange  mixture  of 
races  in  one  people,  causes  the  greatest  surprise. 

Their  countenances  were  hideous  from  natural  physiognomy ;  every 
style  of  expression  was  represented :  the  African,  with  low  forehead 
and  protruding  lips ;  the  besotted  Indian,  his  straight  hair  hanging  over 
his  regular  features,  giving  it  additional  ferocity ;  the  Malay-looking 


MARKET  IN  MATAMOROS.  153 

mongrel,  with  tawny  skin,  slight  moustache,  and  cold-blooded,  trea- 
cherous eyes ;  the  low,  cunning,  yet  intelligent,  brutish  white  man. 
All  these  various  faces  peered  out  from  among  loose  folds  of  white 
cloth,  that  fall  about  them,  giving  them  the  appearance  of  Arabs,  or 
some  eastern  crew  of  a  pirate  ship.  And  yet  these  were  all  Mexicans, 
and  might  have  been,  without  offence  to  that  people,  blood  relations, 
members  of  the  same  family. 

Go  where  you  would,  and  there  were  evidences  of  the  artillery. 
Ringgold  had  written  the  strength  of  "his  arm"  with  terrible  distinct- 
iveness.  Arms  and  legs  gone,  shattered  bodies,  ghastly  wounds,  all 
too  hideous  for  the  musket,  were  every  where  to  be  seen.  It  was 
surprising  that  men  could  live  thus  torn  to  pieces.  And  yet  the 
greatest  suffering,  apparently,  was  from  a  musket  ball.  Had  it  been 
grape,  or  of  heavier  material,  it  would  have  done  its  work  effectually, 
and  left  its  victim  painless  in  death.  As  it  was,  it  had  gone  through 
the  breast,  tearing  the  fine  machinery  of  the  lungs  to  pieces,  and  yet 
left  vitality  enough  to  have  them  move  on  in  their  ruins,  poison- 
ing the  whole  frame  with  impure  blood,  and  leaving  the  patient  to 
suffer  beyond  the  imagination  to  conceive.  Poor  soldier,  his  breath 
rattled  and  tore  away  at  his  vitals ;  his  sufferings  were  indeed  a  dark 
spot  on  the  bloody  page  of  war. 

Amidst  all  their  misery  and  desolation,  amidst  these  places  so  hum- 
bling to  pride,  so  sacrificing  to  vanity,  woman  was  there,  devoted  to 
a  husband  or  a  brother ;  she  sat  in  the  dust,  fanned  away  the  torturing 
insects  that  lived  on  blood,  and  revelled  in  wounds,  sanctifying  the 
most  menial  offices  by  her  spirit  and  influence,  and  shedding,  by  her 
smiles,  by  her  silent  attentions,  by  her  teachings  of  hope  in  another 
world,  the  only  bright  rays  that  are  seen  to  glimmer  in  a  Mexican 
hospital. 

Besides  the  public  squares  already  mentioned,  one  other,  occupied 
by  the  market,  is  worthy  of  notice.  The  building  is  of  commodious 
dimensions,  and  in  the  early  morning  presents,  with  the  square  sur- 
rounding it,  a  lively,  picturesque  appearance.  Here  are  assembled 
every  variety  of  mongrel  population,  from  the  apparent  savage,  to  thai 
appanage  of  Spanish  enlightenment,  a  duenna  in  full  dress. 

Like  their  class  among  all  nations,  the  market  people  are  loquacious 
in  the  extreme,  and  on  all  sides  is  a  continual  strain  of  musical,  gut- 


154  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


teral  sound,  composed  of  the  softest  Castilian,  and  the  aboriginal 
languages,  curiously  intermingled. 

Their  commodities  consist  of  a  great  variety  of  vegetables,  but  red 
pepper  and  garlic  have  the  most  prominent  place.  They  have  also 
different  kinds  of  cakes,  as  well  as  the  indispensable  tortil.  As  to  the 
meats,  the  substantial  materials  for  the  culinary  art,  nothing  can  be 
said  in  favor  of  them  as  represented  in  the  Matamoros  market.  Mexi- 
can butchers  would,  by  their  bungling,  make  but  indifferent  beef  of  a 
stall-fed  ox,  and  where  a  half  wild  steer,  whose  skin  and  flesh  are  of 
nearly  equal  weight,  is  the  object  of  market  enterprise,  the  quality  of 
Mexican  beef  may  be  imagined. 

One  of  the  most  singular  articles  of  commerce,  occasionally  met 
with,  is  a  curious  species  of  dog,  of  a  steel-gray  color,  and  being  per- 
fectly destitute  of  hair.  To  see  one  of  the  largest  quietly  sleeping, 
one  would  suppose  that  a  cast  iron  appendage  to  some  aspiring  modern 
portico  had  been  removed  from  its  place,  and  dropped  in  the  thorough- 
fare. These  dogs,  so  destitute  of  covering,  look  very  well  in  iron  or 
stone,  but  a  living  one,  to  all  refined  taste,  seems  disgusting  in  its 
poverty. 

The  long  avenue  of  the  market,  and  the  throng  constantly  moving 
about,  afford  a  fine  opportunity  for  display,  and  it  is  most  amusingly 
taken  advantage  of  by  the  dandies  of  the  town.  A  Mexican  exquisite 
is  remarkable  for  his  rings  and  his  pride,  and  it  is  a  most  amusing 
spectacle,  when  one  of  them  throws  his  poncho,,  "  all  tattered  and 
torn,"  across  his  shoulders,  and  perambulates  the  market  with  an  air 
that  would  have  added  new  fame  to  Vandyke,  had  he  given  it  to  one 
of  his  Netherland  portraits. — It  is  decidedly  one  of  the  most  exquisite 
scenes  in  the  world. 


MEXICAN  IMPOSTS,  253 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Abandoned  public  stores  in  Matamoros — The  copper  shells — Mexican  im- 
posts— Large  gun-carriages — Saddles — Evidences  of  hasty  retreat — Revo- 
lutions in  Mexico — Their  effects  on  the  business  of  Matamoros — Its  pios- 
pects  under  a  settled  government — Number  of  men  engaged  in  the  battles 
— Arista's  statements — French  consul's  statement — Alcade  Gomez — Pro- 
bable number  of  troops — Conduct  of  our  soldiers — The  moral  effects  of 
the  battles. 

THE  amount  of  public  stores  found  in  Matamoros,  by  Col.  Twiggs, 
was  incredibly  large.  They  must  have  cost  the  government  of 
Mexico  from  five  to  six  hundred  thousand  dollars,  and  had  evidently 
been  collected  together,  from  the  time  that  Mexico  became  indepen- 
dent of  Spain,  until  the  present.  A  large  quantity,  no  doubt,  was  sent 
to  Matamoros,  during  the  prosecution  of  hostilities  in  Texas.  The 
age  of  much  of  these  military  stores,  was  known  by  the  old-fashioned 
manner  in  which  it  was  packed  up,  and  a  part  seemed  to  be  the  refuse 
of  arsenals,  as  it  was  totally  unfit  for  use.  The  muskets  were  con- 
demned English  tower  muskets,  bought  probably  by  the  government, 
from  private  citizens  in  England  :  the  same  species  of  commerce  has 
precedence  in  the  manufacture  of  arms  in  our  own  country. 

The  clothing  found  was  of  the  most  fantastic  description,  and  of 
sizes  too  small  for  the  average  of  our  American  troops : — the  great 
object  seemed  to  be,  to  have  plenty  of  trimmings. 

The  grape  and  canister  shot  was  of  copper,  and  also  the  shells ; 
by  some,  it  is  supposed  that  this  "  house"  was  the  refuse  of  the  silver 
and  gold  ore  of  the  mines.  An  immense  amount  of  ammunition  must 
have  been  carried  away  by  Arista,  as  he  seized  every  possible  convey- 
ance that  could  be  found  in  the  city,  and  loaded  it,  to  send  with  his 
army  into  the  interior. 

Among  the  government  stores  were  tobacco,  segars,  stamped  paper, 
and  playing-cards.  It  would  seem  that  the  Mexican  government  laid 
its  heaviest  imposts  on  the  vices  of  the  nation ;  and  this  was  wisely 
conceived,  as  the  Mexicans  spend  a  large  portion  of  their  time  in  card- 
playing  and  smoking.  Two  pieces  of  cannon  were  taken  from  a  well. 


156  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

In  one  house  were  an  immense  quantity  of  shell,  and  two  gun-carriages, 
made  of  the  most  splendid  mahogany,  and  intended  for  at  least  thirty- 
two  pounders.  It  is  said  that  these  carriages  were  brought  over  land, 
while  the  guns  were  shipped  at  Vera  Cruz :  the  vessel  containing  them 
was  wrecked  at  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande.  Had  these  powerful 
guns  arrived  at  their  destination,  and  been  brought  to  bear  upon  Fort 
Brown,  it  might  have  made  a  change  in  the  fortunes  of  its  defenders/ 
These  superb  carriages  are  now  within  the  walls  of  the  fort,  but  are 
exposed  to  the  action  of  the  elements  :  they  should  be  taken  to  Wash- 
ington, and  there  wrought  into  furniture,  to  adorn  the  capitol. 

Beneath  the^oor  of  a  stable,  where  a  portion  of  Mexican  cavalry 
horses  had  been  stationed,  were  found  a  large  number  of  saddles,  many 
of  excellent  quality,  and  some  richly  ornamented  with  silver.  It  is 
probable,  that  for  years  to  come,  discoveries  will  continually  be  made, 
of  hidden  depositories  of  military  stores. 

It  was  curious  to  notice  how  suddenly,  in  many  instances,  the  work 
of  the  soldiers  had  been  abandoned.  In  the  large  room  in  which  the 
gun-carriages  were  found,  was  a  carpenter's  bench — the  workman  had 
been  busily  making  boxes  for  cannon  shot,  and  left  one  nearly  com-, 
pleted ;  the  shaving  in  his  plane  was  but  half  cut  off  from  the  board 
on  which  he  was  engaged.  In  the  very  act  of  sweeping  his  plane, 
the  news  had  come  of  the  defeat :  the  carpenter  had  dropped  his  in- 
strument and  fled.  Such  were  the  evidences  of  consternation  every 
where  to  be  met  with. 

The  continued  revolutions  in  Mexico  have  gradually  undermined 
the  prosperity  of  Matamoros.  Its  trade  has  each  year  decreased  in 
importance.  The  taxes  imposed  by  the  central  government  paralyze 
commerce,  and  the  privilege  that  each  department  has  of  levying  a 
tariff,  has  constantly  tended  to  confine  the  business  of  Matamoros  to 
its  own  department  of  Tamaulipas.  Hordes  of  office-holders  have 
come  from  the  city  of  Mexico  to  rob  its  inhabitants.  Export  and  im- 
port duties  were  levied  on  every  thing;  and,  as  speculation  prevailed 
among  office-holders,  confiscations  for  conventional  breaking  of  laws 
were  of  every-day  occurrence.  Bribery  of  officials,  of  course,  soon 
became  reduced  to  a  system :  the  smallest  traders  bribe  the  lowest 
officials — the  judge,  the  governor — the  governor,  the  minister — and 


REVOLUTIONARY  SPIRIT.  157 

all  seek  to  evade  paying  tribute  to  the  supreme  government.  All  these 
evils  tend,  directly,  to  impoverish  the  country. 

With  the  evils  of  bad  government  came  recklessness  of  fortune.  The 
inhabitants,  not  naturally  enterprising,  from  the  insecurity  of  property 
became  to  rely  upon  the  spontaneous  productions  of  the  soil,  rather 
than  upon  any  business  investment,  for  their  support.  Hides,  tallow, 
fat,  and  wool,  which  are  produced  in  such  abundance  upon  the  broad 
savannas  of  Mexico,  proved  to  be  sufficient  for  the  supply  of  every 
present  want ;  and  this  has  originated  with  the  people  a  preference  for 
that  kind  of  wealth  not  liable  to  be  easily  stolen,  or  taken  from  them 
by  the  rapacity  of  military  leaders.  Notwithstanding  the  accumula- 
tion of  evils  by  which  Matamoros  has  suffered,  such  is  the  great 
production  of  its  commercial  wealth,  that  it  still  flourishes  with  con- 
siderable estate,  and  maintains  a  population  of  six  or  seven  thousand 
souls. 

Let  the  northern  part  of  Mexico  be  once  possessed  of  good  laws 
and  an  intelligent  population,  that  would  call  forth  the  undeveloped 
resources  of  the  country,  and  Matamoros  would  soon  grow  into  a  city 
of  great  commercial  importance.  It  is  not  possible  for  the  present  in- 
habitants to  accomplish  anything.  Besides  being  indolent,  they  pos- 
sess a  revolutionary  spirit  that  renders  the  blessings  of  a  settled  go- 
vernment for  them  impossible. 

The  causes  of  this  revolutionary  spirit  are  numerous.  The  people 
are  naturally  fond  of  games  of  chance,  and  they  carry  this  passion  into 
every  detail  of  life,  and  are  fascinated  by  the  risk  of  losing  the  tor- 
tilla of  the  morning's  meal,  as  well  as  by  the  chances  of  a  change  in 
government. 

No  matter  how  prosperously  a  government  may  be  organised,  or 
however  well  calculated  to  benefit  the  people,  those  out  of  office  and 
power  have  but  to  display  to  the  mass  the  prospect  of  gaining  both 
by  a  revolution,  and  it  is  at  once  plunged  into  with  the  greatest  en- 
thusiasm. This  will  ever  continue  to  be  the  state  of  Mexico,  until 
people  of  a  higher  order  are  distributed  through  its  present  population, 
who  will  give  a  new  tone  to  society,  infuse  a  new  spirit  into  its  peo- 
ple, and  impress  a  new  character  upon  its  social  and  political  organi- 
zation. 


OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE, 

The  exact  number  of  men  engaged  on  the  Mexican  side  in  the  bat- 
tles of  the  8th  and  9th,  will  always  be  a  matter  of  some  speculation. 
Gen.  Arista  garbles  his  statements  throughout,  and  attempts  to  palliate 
defeat  by  giving  false  accounts  of  his  own  strength.  Gen.  Taylor  had, 
counting  all  his  force,  twenty-three  hundred  men.  He,  himself,  esti- 
mates the  strength  of  the  enemy  to  have  been  six  thousand ;  while 
Gen.  Arista  says,  the  force  under  his  command  amounted  to  but  three 
thousand  men. 

The  French  consul  resident  at  Matamoros  during  the  concentration 
of  Mexican  troops  at  that  place,  and  who  is  evidently  not  prepossessed 
in  favour  of  the  Americans,  sets  down  the  number  of  their  forces  en- 
gaged in  the  battles  as  follows  : 

No.  of  Men.  No.  of  Men. 

Infantry,  1st,  Col.  Mendoza,          180  Brought  forward,                       2SGO 

"       10th,  Col.  Gareid,              250  Artillery  of  all  kinds,  twelve 

Sapadores,      Col.  Reyes,               330  pieces,                                            400 

Ligero  2d,  Col.  Currasco,               350  Cavalry,  3d,                                      300 

"        6th,  Col.  Cazanova,             200  7tb,  Col.  Montero,          300 

"        4th,  Col.  Araga,                    GOO  8th,  Col.  Torrejon,          600 

Mexico.                                              300  Irregular,  Col.  Canales,                  600 

Morilia,                                              250  "          Col.  Lavariego,              130 

Tampico  Mateos,  400  

5190 

2860 

Alcalde  Gomez,  a  civil  magistrate  of  the  country  west  of  the  Rio 
Grande,  who  lives  about  seven  miles  below  Fort  Brown,  states  that 
Arista  crossed  the  main  body  of  troops  at  his  ferry,  and  impressed 
him  with  all  the  boats  between  his  ferry  and  Barita  into  the  service. 
He  also  states,  that  two  days  were  occupied  by  the  troops  in  crossing, 
with  all  the  flats  and  boats  that  could  be  gathered  together,  and  that 
upwards  of  five  thousand  went  over  in  this  time.  Alcalde  Gomez 
also  says,  that  it  was  Arista's  intention  to  give  Gen.  Taylor  battle  as 
he  went  down  to  Point  Isabel ;  but  the  great  delay  in  getting  over  his 
men,  allowed  Gen.  Taylor  to  pass  the  place  singled  out  for  the  con- 
templated attack  upon  our  army. 

Gen.  Torrejon  had,  by  the  acknowledgment  of  official  Mexican 
documents,  over -fifteen  hundred  regular  cavalry  under  his  command; 
and  Canales,  who  commanded  the  rancheros,  had  probably  an  equal 
force.  These,  with  the  five  thousand  infantry  certified  to  by  Alcalde 


EFFECT  OF  THE  BATTLES.  159 

Gomez,  make  eight  thousand  men,  which  is  probably  near  the  num- 
ber engaged  in  the  battles  of  the  8th  and  9th. 

Among  Gen.  Arista's  private  papers,  was  found  what  appeared  to  be 
an  official  return  of  the  army  on  the  morning  of  the  9th,  which  set 
down  the  whole  force  at  six  thousand  eight  hundred.  As  this  return 
only  included  the  "  regulars,"  there  is  yet  to  be  added  Canales'  ran- 
cheros,  and  the  eight  thousand  men  are  made  up. 

The  conduct  of  our  soldiers  during  the  two  battles,  cannot  be  too 
much  admired.  Every  one  was  anxious  to  be  the  first  engaged  in  the 
contest ;  the  ambition  was  to  be  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight.  There 
never  was  fought  a  battle,  on  ground  that  offered  so  many  hiding 
places,  as  that  of  Resaca  de  la  Palma ;  every  clump  of  chaparral 
afforded  perfect  protection  from  observation  and  discovery,  yet  not  an 
instance  isxknown  of  its  being  taken  advantage  of,  and  the  returns  of 
both  battles  have  no  "  missing"  in  the  list.  The  proportion  of  officers, 
in  the  total  of  the  killed,  has  no  precedence  on  record,  and  shows 
how  nobly  they  must  have  led  on  their  men. 

It  is  a  curious  fact,  that  the  commanding  officer  of  the  American 
army  was  a  "  colonel,"  opposed  to  whom  were  five  generals,  and  one 
major  general. 

The  effect  of  the  battles  of  Palo  Alto  and  Resaca  de  la  Palma  upon 
the  civilised  world,  has  been  great  indeed.  Our  country  having  but  a 
small  standing  army,  and  a  generation  having  passed  away  since  we 
have  had  an  opportunity  to  illustrate  our  prowess  in  arms,  our  military 
power  had  been  somewhat  lost  sight  of  by  European  nations.  It  is 
no  doubt  true  that  these  two  battles,  comparatively  unimportant  in 
loss  of  treasure  and  life,  have  accomplished  a  moral  effect,  that  may 
check  interference  in  American  affairs  by  European  powers,  that 
would,  if  actually  commenced,  result  in  a  general  war  among  the 
civilised  nations  of  the  earth. 

The  spirit  with  which  our  troops  fought,  exhibited  a  most  perfect 
concentration  of  courage,  tempered  by  constant  acts  of  generosity. 
So  long  as  the  combat  lasted,  they  furiously  contended  for  the  mastery, 
but  the  battle  ended,  humanity  immediately  resumed  her  sway.  The 
generous  courage  of  the  subordinates,  only  found  a  rival  in  the  gallant 
bearing  of  the  officers  who  led  them  on  to  victory. 


160  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

ANECDOTES     AND     INCIDENTS. 

[In  the  following  anecdotes  and  incidents,  none  are  given,  except  such  as 
were  related  by  actors  or  participators  in  the  scenes,  or  came  under  the 
author's  personal  observation.] 

THE   GENERALS  IN  CAMP. 

THE  contrast  of  the  two  commanding  generals,  Taylor  and  Arista, 
in  the  pomp  and  circumstances  of  war,  was  characteristic  of  the  dif- 
ferent institutions  under  which  they  lived.  There  was  a  semi-barbaric 
splendor  associated  with  Arista's,  according  with  the  despotism  of  the 
Mexican  government.  A  simplicity  about  that  of  Taylor's,  equally 
significant  of  pure  republican  institutions. 

The  marquee  of  the  commanding  general  of  the  Mexican  forces 
was  bell-shaped,  and  of  great  size.*  The  material  of  which  it  was 
composed,  was  ornamented  by  parti-colored  stripes,  giving  it  a  holy- 
day  appearance.  Around  it  were  stationed  officers,  whose  rich  dresses 
glistened  in  the  sun,  and  who  were  ever  ready  to  pay  the  most  abject 
respect  to  their  chief.  Led  horses,  richly  caparisoned,  slowly  paced 
in  sight.  Protecting  its  rear,  like  continued  labyrinthian  walls,  was 
arranged  the  equipage  of  the  camp.  Pack  saddles  for  five  hundred 
mules  were  tastefully  placed  for  display,  and  their  loads  near  by, 
heaped  up  in  prodigal  confusion.  To  the  poor  Mexican  soldier,  bi- 
vouaced  in  the  open  air,  this  wealth  seemed  a  vision  of  fairy  land, 
and  its  conventional  possessor,  rich,  beyond  their  imagination,  and 
powerful,  beyond  comparison. 

Bands  of  rude  music  almost  constantly  rent  the  air  with  their  noisy 
labor.  The  furniture  of  the  marquee  was  rich ;  the  costly  figured 
chests  of  the  camp  were  the  ornamental  furniture ;  upon  their  tops 

*  We  had  the  privilege  and  opportunity  of  examining  most  of  Gen.  Arista's 
camp  equipage  at  Fort  Brown.  We  are  indebted  to  the  "Commissioners" 
appointed  to  examine  it,  for  some  particulars  relative  to  the  plate,  &c. 


ANECDOTES  AND  INCIDENTS.  161 

reposed  in  ostentation,  the  heavy  silver  service  of  the  table,  or  the 
elegantly  finished  u  maps  of  the  campaign."  Amid  this  array  sat  the 
commanding  general,  surrounded  by  his  numerous  staff — his  clothes 
of  gay  colors,  and  laced  to  vulgar  profusion.  Visits  of  ceremony,  or 
of  business,  were  conducted  with  pomp  and  needless  delays;  long 
lines  of  officials  stared  and  leered,  and  were  impudent,  or  cringing,  as 
suited  their  purposes  best.  Music  rolled,  sabres  and  muskets  rattled, 
and  the  buzz  of  inflated  greatness,  and  hollow  pretence,  was  trium- 
phant. 

About  a  mile  above  the  city  of  Matamoros,  a  little  distance  from 
the  banks  of  the  Rio  Grande,  are  to  be  seen  (June  1  st,)  some  stunted 
and  ill-shaped  trees,  which  bend  their  gnarled  and  almost  leafless 
limbs  over  a  group  of  three  or  four  small  tents,  only  different  from 
those  of  the  common  soldier  in  their  rear,  in  this,  that  they  are  hete- 
rogenously  disposed  of  for  shade,  instead  of  being  in  a  line,  regard- 
less of  all  else  than  military  precision.  The  plain  about  is  dotted 
over  with  thousands  of  tents,  before  many  of  which  are  artillery, 
and  groups  of  men  and  soldiers ;  and  over  some  wave  in  triumphant 
folds  our  national  flag,  giving  promise  of  more  importance  and  pomp, 
than  the  little  knot  to  which  we  have  particularly  alluded.  We 
wended  our  way  on  towards  the  dwarfish  trees,  that  were  distinguish- 
ed by  being  a  few  feet  higher  than  the  surrounding  brush,  and  the 
little  group  of  tents  that  rested  beneath  them,  for  they  were  pointed 
out  as  marking  the  head  quarters  of  the  commanding  general  of  a 
triumphant  American  army. 

Not  the  slightest  token  was  visible,  to  mark  one  tent  in  the  group 
from  another ;  there  were  no  sentinels,  nor  any  military  parade  present; 
a  chubby  sunburnt  child,  "  belonging  to  the  camp,"  was  playing  near 
by  in  the  grass,  temporarily  arrested  in  its  wanderings  by  some  insect 
of  unusual  size,  that  was  delving  in  the  dust.  We  presented  our- 
selves at  the  opening  of  one  of  the  tents,  before  which  was  standing 
a  dragoon's  horse,  much  used  by  hard  service.  Upon  a  camp  stool 

at  our  left  sat  Gen. ,  in  busy  conversation  with  a  hearty-looking 

old  gentleman,  who  was  dressed  in  Attakapas  pantaloons,  and  a  linen 
roundabout,  and  was  remarkable  for  a  bright  flashing  eye,  a  high  fore- 
head, a  farmer  look,  and  a  "  rough  and  ready"  appearance,  it  is  hardly 
necessary  for  us  to  say,  that  this  personage  was  Gen.  Taylor,  the 

11 


162  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

commanding  hero  of  two  of  the  most  remarkable  battles  on  record, 
and  the  man  who,  by  his  firmness  and  decision  of  character,  has  shed 
lustre  upon  the  American  arms. 

There  was  no  pomp  about  his  tent ;  a  couple  of  rough  blue  chests 
served  for  his  table,  on  which  were  strewn  in  masterly  confusion,  a 
variety  of  official-looking  documents ;  a  quiet-looking  citizen-dressed 
personage  made  his  appearance,  upon  hearing  the  significant  call  of 
"  Ben,"  bearing  on  a  tin  salver  a  couple  of  black  bottles  and  shining 
tumblers,  arranged  around  an  earthen  pitcher  of  Rio  Grande  water. 
These  refreshments  we*e  deposited  upon  a  stool,  and  "  we  helped 
ourselves,"  by  invitation.  We  bore  to  the  general  a  complimentary 
gift  from  some  of  his  fellow-citizens  of  New  Orleans,  which  he  de- 
clined receiving  for  the  present,  giving  at  the  same  time  a  short,  but 
"  hard  sense"  lecture,  on  the  impropriety  of  naming  children  and 
places  after  men  before  they  were  dead,  or  of  his  receiving  a  present 
for  his  services,  "  before  the  campaign,  so  far  as  he  was  concerned, 
was  finished." 

With  the  highest  possible  admiration  of  the  republican  simplicity 
of  the  manners  and  character  of  Gen.  Taylor,  we  bade  him  good  day, 
with  a  higher  appreciation  of  our  native  land,  for  possessing  such  a 
man  as  a  citizen,  and  of  its  institutions,  for  moulding  such  a  character. 

HARD  TO  WHIP. 

Early  in  the  action  of  the  8th,  a  private  of  the  Eighth  regiment  was 
severely  wounded  by  a  grape-shot  on  the  head.  He  was  ordered  by 
the  surgeon  to  the  rear,  any  excitement  being  liable  to  cause  sudden 
death.  The  soldier  stole  out  of  the  hospital,  picked  up  a  musket,  and 
started  off  to  re-enter  the  engagement.  He  was  arrested,  and  sent  back 
to  the  hospital,  where  he  became  so  enraged  at  being  thus  deprived  of 
his  "  sacred  rights,"  that  it  became  necessary  to  tie  him  hand  and  foot. 

A  CHIVALROUS   SOLDIER. 

In  the  battle  of  the  9th,  a  private  belonging  to  the  Eighth  regiment, 
in  the  charge  on  the  enemy's  batteries,  threw  himself  in  front  of  Col. 
Belknap,  and  received  three  balls  in  his  person,  aimed  at  the  colonel. 
His  gallantry  will  be  duly  rewarded  by  Col.  Belknap,  to  whose  kind 
attentions  he  is  indebted  for  his  recovery  from  his  severe  wounds. 


ANECDOTES  AND  INCIDENTS.  163 


CASE  OF  ARMY  CRUELTY. 

On  our  arrival  in  the  American  camp,  on  the  east  side  of  the  Rio 
del  Norte,  the  first  object  that  particularly  struck  our  attention,  was  a 
soldier  posted  upon  the  highest  part  of  "  Fort  Brown,"  who  was  walk- 
ing to  and  fro  with  a  perpendicularly  anxious  look.  After  having  been 
more  than  a  week  in  camp,  that  soldier  was  still  on  the  same  eminence, 
with  the  same  polished  musket,  and  same  anxious  look.  Occasion- 
ally he  rested  upon  the  muzzle  of  his  musket,  with  his  crossed  arms, 
but  generally,  he  paced  up  and  down  his  confined  walk,  as  if  in  the 
last  degree  of  despair,  of  ever  being  released  from  his  painful  situa- 
tion. We  know  it  is  the  same  man  we  first  saw,  from  the  fact  that  we 
never  saw  any  one  take  his  place,  and  also  because  he  wears  precisely 
the  same  dress  and  accoutrements,  and  has  the  same  perpendicular 
walk.  No  doubt  he  is  put  upon  the  walls  of  Fort  Brown,  in  the 
glaring  sun,  without  an  umbrella,  to  walk  day  and  night,  for  ever,  for 
some  petty  offence.  We  rise  every  morning  expecting  to  see  him  gone, 
but  his  strength  seems  wonderful,  for  he  is  still  there.  What  a  dread- 
ful fate  is  his ! — What  has  that  soldier  done,  so  criminal,  that  he  should 
be  condemned  by  heartless  rnilitary  officers,  to  walk  for  ever  upon  the 
walls  of  Fort  Brown  ? 

MEXICAN  LIEUT.  COL.,  A  LA  GEX.  VEGA. 

Some  two  weeks  after  the  taking  of  Matamoros,  the  officer  of  the 
guard  for  the  day,  was  very  quietly  smoking  a  papereto  under  the 
shade  of  some  China  trees  in  the  plaza,  when  he  was  surprised  to  see 
coming  towards  him,  a  Mexican  officer  in  military  undress.  The 
American  officer  rose,  and  approached  him,  claiming  him  as  a  pri- 
soner. The  lieutenant  colonel  of  artillery,  for  such  he  appeared, 
nodded  assent,  and  took  a  seat  beside  the  officer  of  the  day,  looking 
as  profound  as  possible,  and  as  much  as  he  could  like  a  soldier,  who 
by  the  fortunes  of  war  had  got  into  the  hands  of  an  enemy.  A  ser- 
geant was  despatched  to  Gen.  Taylor,  to  announce  the  capture,  and 
give  in  the  rank  and  dignity  of  the  prize.  Now  it  so  happened  that 
a  deputation  of  Mexican  citizens  were  at  Gen.  Taylor's  tent  on  some 
indifferent  business,  and  old  "  Rough  and  Ready"  asked  said  deputa- 
tion, the  character  and  standing  of  this  captured  "  lieutenant  colonel 


164  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

of  artillery."  The  deputation  said,  that  he  managed  the  guns  of  the 
"  Sand-bag  fort,"  that  he  was  a  worthless  sort  of  character,  and  had 
been  about  Matamoros,  ever  since  its  capture,  in  a  disguise,  getting 
drunk,  and,  what  was  of  more  importance,  getting  in  debt  without  any 
prospect  of  paying.  Gen.  Taylor  heard  all  this,  and  said  nothing.  As 
the  evening  sun  was  declining,  an  officer  came  to  the  general,  to  know 
what  disposition  should  be  made  of  the  prisoner  colonel,  who  had  the 
live  long  day,  been  in  "  durance  vile,"  in  the  plaza,  much  to  the  edi- 
fication of  the  loafers  and  lazzaroni  of  Matamoros.  "  Let  him  go  on 
bis  parole,"  said  Gen.  Taylor.  The  information  was  conveyed  straight- 
way to  the  lieutenant  colonel. 

Now  it  so  happened  that  the  prisoner  had  that  very  day  heard,  that 
Gen.  Vega  was  treated  in  the  United  States  with  great  consideration ; 
that  he  was  a  lion  of  the  largest  mane,  and  the  favorite  of  the  ladies, 
and  preferred  by  them,  to  honest  men  of  their  own  country,  and  had, 
moreover,  a  letter  of  credit  from  Gen.  Taylor,  to  pay  his  expenses  in 
the  United  States ;  and  these  bright  pictures  had  caused  the  magnani- 
mous self-delivery  as  a  prisoner  of  war.  Instigated  by  these  high  and 
chivalrous  motives,  he  replied  a  la  Vega  to  the  officer  who  told  him 
he  could  go  on  his  parole,  that  he  could  not  accept  it,  for  he  would 
be  obliged  to  fight,  or  be  taken  out  and  shot ;  that  his  government 
would  not  pay  any  attention  to  a  parole.  This  information  was  duly 
conveyed  to  Gen.  Taylor.  Whereupon  old  "Rough  and  Ready," 
in  great  wrath,  said,  that  the  Mexican  lieutenant  colonel  of  artillery 
would  not  do  any  harm  loose  without  a  parole,  and  ordered  him  to 
be  released  indefinitely. 

A    PERFIDIOUS    MEXICAN. 

A  private,  on  the  9th,  \vho  had  followed  Lieut.  Dobbins  through 
the  thickest  of  the  fight,  raised  his  musket  at  a  Mexican,  and  would 
have  blown  him  through  if  the  poor  fellow  had  not  most  piteously 
cried  out  amigo,  amigo,  at  the  same  time  dropping  his  weapon.  The 
private  did  the  same,  and  advanced  towards  the  Mexican  to  take  him 
prisoner.  The  Mexican  then  perfidiously  raised  his  piece  and  in- 
stantly killed  the  generous  American.  This  so  enraged  Lieut.  Dob- 
bins, that  he  drew  his  Bowie  knife,  and  at  a  bound  reached  the  coward, 
literally  splitting  his  head  in  twain. 


ANECDOTES  AND  INCIDENTS.  165 


A  SUFFERER  BY  THE  BOMBARD3IEXT. 

During  the  first  day  of  the  bombardment  of  Fort  Brown,  there  was 
an  attempt  made  by  our  soldiers  in  the  fort  to  fire  Matamoros  with 
hot  shot.  The  furnaces  prepared  to  heat  the  shot  were  imperfect,  and 
fuel  was  difficult  to  obtain,  the  consequence  was,  the  shot  were  made 
very  warm,  but  not  sufficiently  so  to  set  any  thing  on  fire.  The  good 
citizens  of  Matamoros,  determined  to  make  the  most  of  the  balls  we 
sent  into  their  city,  had  frequent  scrambles  for  them,  as  they  fell  into 
their  streets.  When  the  hot  shot  were  thrown,  one  fell  into  the  centre 
of  the  plaza,  and  off  started  a  crowd  to  obtain  the  prize ;  one  indi- 
vidual, more  swift  than  his  fellows,  clasped  the  hot  ball  in  his  hands, 
burning  the  palms  of  them  to  a  crisp.  After  that,  the  Mexicans  were 
more  cautious,  and  usually  waited  for  the  balls  to  cool.  This  burnt- 
handed  gentleman  was  a  conspicuous  patient  in  one  of  the  hospitals, 
declaring  that  "  he  was  a  severe  sufferer  by  the  bombardment." 

AMUSING  SCENE  IN  MATAMOROS. 

The  high  price  of  cotton  goods  in  Matamoros,  owing  to  the  Mexican 
tariff,  is  well  known.  Several  enterprising  "  yankees,"  since  Gen. 
Taylor  has  taken  possession  of  the  city,  have  "  moved  in,"  opened 
stores,  and  are  selling  goods  on  u  cheap  principles,"  about  one-third 
of  the  usual  Mexican  prices,  but  double  the  usual  American  prices.  It 
is  an  amusing  scene  to  witness  the  crowd  around  these  stores,  com- 
posed of  the  mixed  people  of  the  city.  Finely  dressed  women,  ran- 
cheros,  naked  Indians,  and  negroes,  all  eager  to  purchase  goods,  and 
jabbering  good,  bad,  and  indifferent  Spanish,  with  a  rapidity  truly 
appalling  to  a  phlegmatic  Anglo-American. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  "  old  established  merchants"  are  looking  upon 
their  neglected  stocks  with  sorrow  and  astonishment ;  although  they 
have  got  the  greater  part  of  them  by  defrauding  the  revenue,  they  have 
cost  more  in  bribes  to  the  custom-house  officers,  and  other  Mexican 
functionaries  than  the  yankees'  charging  prices.  This  species  of  war- 
fare is  rapidly  converting  the  people  over  to  American  notions,  and 
they  have  only  to  fully  learn  that  they  can  have  cheap  goods,  and  the 
enjoyment  of  life  and  liberty,  to  abandon  their  government  as  rapidly 
as  they  have  their  high-priced  stores. 


166  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

"MUTILATING  THE  DEAD. 

These  Mexicans  went  into  battle  with  a  horde  of  unpaid  soldiery 
in  their  rear,  who  had  the  prospect  of  plunder  held  out  to  them  as  a 
reward.  Arista's  aid,  Capt.  Nagreet,  told  Col.  Twiggs,  that  these  un- 
paid soldiery  plundered  their  own  dead  after  the  battle  of  the  8th. 

MEXICAN  EXAGGERATION. 

The  Mexicans  exaggerated  our  power  after  the  battles,  as  much  as 
they  were  in  the  habit  of  exaggerating  their  own  before  them.  One 
soldier  reported  in  Matamoros,  "  that,  previous  to  battle,  the  American 
soldiers  were  fed  by  their  officers  on  powder  and  whiskey,  to  make 
them  fight ;"  another  said  that  the  Americans  "  were  so  strong,  that 
one  of  our  troops  could  pick  up  one  of  their  cavalry,  and  pitch  horse 
and  rider,  a  hundred  feet." 

UNEXPECTED  ATTACK. 

One  of  Arista's  aids,  taken  on  the  9th,  told  Col.  Twiggs,  that  the 
Americans  charged  on  them  when  they  did  not  expect  it,  and  that  his 
army  had  no  idea  that  Gen.  Taylor  would  so  promptly  follow  up  the 
battle  of  the  8th. 

A  GRATIFIED  MEXICAN. 

Soon  after  Gen.  Taylor  took  possession  of  Matamoros,  a  Mexican 
merchant  came  in  from  the  interior,  with  twenty  thousand  dollars  in 
gold  and  silver.  According  to  the  old  state  of  things,  the  merchant, 
to  export  it  to  the  United  States,  which  he  wished  to  do,  would  have 
been  obliged  to  pay  two  heavy  duties.  Four  per  cent,  for  bringing 
it  from  the  interior,  and  six  per  cent,  for  exporting  it  out  of  the  country. 
Not  exactly  satisfied  with  the  necessity  of  paying  over  so  much  money 
to  the  hungry  officials  who  still  lingered  about  Matamoros,  he  visited 
Gen.  Taylor's  tent,  and  stated  his  wish  to  ship  to  the  United  States 
twenty  thousand  dollars  in  gold  and  silver.  u  Well,"  said  the  general, 
u  ship  it ;  very  much  pleased  you  are  so  disposed."  "  But,"  said  the 
merchant,  hesitating,  "  the  interior  and  exterior  duties."  "  I  know 
nothing  about  such  duties,  while  I  am  in  Matamoros,"  said  Gen.  Taylor. 
The  merchant  bounced  off,  congratulating  himself  in  Spanish  that  the 
Americans  had  come  to  the  country,  as  he  had  made  two  thousand 
dollars  in  one  day  by  their  so  doing,  upon  a  small  shipment  of  specie. 


ANECDOTES  AND  INCIDENTS.  167 

»THE  SMITH  FAMILY  IX  MEXICO. 
Scene  in  Gen.  W 's  tent. 

A  very  warm  day  made  the  almost  constant  "Gulf  breeze"  par- 
ticularly refreshing ;  one  or  two  field  officers  had  met  in  Gen.  W.'s 
tent,  to  speculate  upon  what  would  be  "done  next"  in  the  "Mexican 
war."  While  thus  engaged  in  conversation,  a  Mexican  lady,  plainly 
but  tastefully  dressed,  suddenly  interrupted  the  group,  followed  by  an 
attendant,  and  a  nurse  bearing  a  child  of  an  exceedingly  blonde  ap- 
pearance. The  officers  rose  instantly,  and  offered  her  a  chair :  her 
companion  placed  herself  in  its  rear,  and  the  nurse  kept  herself  outside, 
to  amuse  the  favorito.  The  lady  spoke  eloquently  and  understand- 
ingly  with  her  eyes — "  I  came  for  some  information  of  much  import- 
ance to  myself."  Her  tongue  spoke  it  in  Spanish,  and,  although  it 
was  as  musical  as  falling  water,  it  was  as  indefinite,  in  particular 
meaning,  to  the  ears  that  heard  it. — An  interpreter  was  instantly  de- 
spatched for,  and  soon  made  his  appearance,  when  the  following  con- 
versation ensued : 

Signora. — My  name  is  Signora  Soledad  Ortega,  and  I  came  to 
inquire  for  my  husband,  who  is  an  American ;  he  left,  just  before  the 
battles,  for  Corpus  Christi,  and  has  not  yet  returned. 

General. — How  long  since  you  saw  him  ? 

Signora. — Three  months.  It  is  three  years  since  we  were  married, 
and  I  am  ignorant  of  what  keeps  him  away. 

General. — He  is  detained,  probably,  on  important  business,  and  I 
trust  will  soon  return ;  perhaps  I  may,  by  hearing  his  name,  recognise 
an  acquaintance. 

Signora. — His  name  is  Don  Smeith. 

A  tall,  raw-boned  yankee,  who  had  had  the  enterprise  to  go  to 
Mexico  to  make  a  fortune,  get  a  rich  wife,  and  improve  the  country, 
rose  up  in  our  imagination,  but  the  particular  yankee  was  not  sug- 
gested. Gen.  W.  replied  that  he  was  not  personally  acquainted  with 
the  lady's  husband,  and  expressed  a  sincere  desire  that  he  would  soon 
return ;  the  conversation  then  became  desultory,  and  the  lady  showed 
that  she  was  truly  American  in  heart,  as  well  as  her  husband.  She 
stated,  with  earnest  simplicity  of  manner,  that  throughout  the  bom- 
bardment of  Matamoros,  she  was  certain  her  house  would  not  be 


168  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


struck  by  the  cannon  balls,  because  she  was  herself  Americano,  and 
because  of  her  child ;  she  said,  while  the  dark  Castilian  blood  rushed 
to  her  cheeks,  that  when  she  heard  the  firing  on  the  battle  field,  that 
she  prayed  to  the  saints  that  her  husband  was  in  the  battle,  fighting. 
The  lady  then  descanted  upon  the  cheap  goods  the  Americans  were 
selling  in  Matamoros,  and  said  it  was  a  good  thing  that  such  was  the 
case  :  the  nurse  then  brought  forward  the  favorito,  whose  name  the 
lady,  in  the  sweetest  tones  of  the  Spanish  voice,  proclaimed  to  be 
Felipe  Ortega  Smeith ;  then  rising,  and  adjusting  most  gracefully  her 
beautiful  reloza,  she  bade  the  party  adios,  and  disappeared. 

RIO  GRANDE  DEER LARGEST  ON  RECORD. 

There  are  wandering  over  the  prairies  in  the  vicinity  of  our  camp 
on  the  Rio  Grande,  a  great  number  of  the  finest  large-horned  cattle  in 
the  world.  "  Our  Volunteers,"  wishing  for  a  fresh  steak,  would  oc- 
casionally make  one  bite  the  dust.  An  order  came,  that  no  more 
"  killing  beef"  must  take  place  :  and  no  more  beef  was  killed.  Scout- 
ing parties  now  went  out  for  venison ;  some  good  shots  were  fortu- 
nate enough  to  kill  one.  It  was  dragged  into  camp,  and  duly  divided 
up  among  the  knowing  ones  of  the  regiment.  When  daylight  ap- 
peared, suspicions  got  out  that  a  beef  had  been  killed.  This  was 
stoutly  denied,  and  the  report  was  contradicted  by  the  assertion,  that 
a  deer  had  been  killed  weighing  over  eight  hundred  pounds.  This 
caused  universal  surprise,  especially  among  certain  officers,  who  de- 
manded to  see  the  horns.  After  a  great  deal  of  delay  they  were  pro- 
duced, and  examined  by  a  court  martial,  who  solemnly  decided,  that 
the  deer  of  the  Rio  Grande  had  horns  perfectly  smooth,  and  resem- 
bling those  of  the  ox  species  in  other  parts  of  the  world. 

MEXICAN  SOLDIERS. 

The  day  on  which  the  battle  of  Resaca  de  la  Palma  was  fought, 
was  excessively  warm,  yet  large  numbers  of  the  Mexican  soldiery 
fought  throughout  the  battle,  with  their  heavy  overcoats  on,  or  tied 
over  their  shoulders.  It  could  only  be  explained  in  the  probable  fear 
they  had  to  leave  their  coats,  which  answered  them  for  tents  and 
bedding,  in  the  camp,  exposed  to  the  thievish  propensities  of  the 
rancheros. 


ANECDOTES  AND  INCIDENTS.  169 


THE  TROPHIES  OF  THE  WAR. 

Among  the  most  interesting  relics  obtained  in  the  battles  of  the  8th 
and  9th,  are  the  standards  of  the  different  companies  and  regiments. 
They  were  brought  to  New  Orleans  by  Lieut.  Col.  M.  M.  Payne,  while 
on  his  way  with  them  to  Washington.  We  spent  a  half  hour  in  ex- 
amining these  "  pomps  and  circumstances  of  war"  with  the  greatest 
interest.  We  found  eighteen  in  all,  seventeen  of  which  are  of  tri- 
colored  woollen  or  baize  cloths,  ornamented  with  the  appropriate 
letters  and  symbols.  They  are  mounted  on  staffs  sharpened  with 
iron,  and  are  not  only  ornamental,  but  dangerous  as  offensive  wea- 
pons. But  the  flag  of  the  most  absorbing  interest  is  that  lettered 

BATALLON 
GUARDA    COSTA 

DE  TANPICO. 

This  magnificent  and  torn  flag,  apart  from  its  associations,  is  re- 
markable for  its  appearance,  and  the  materials  of  which  it  is  formed. 
It  is  of  large  size :  its  field  of  tri-colored  silk,  green,  white,  and  red. 
In  the  centre  is  embroidered  the  Mexican  coat  of  arms,  more  beauti- 
fully than  we  conceived  any  modern  Penelope  had  power  to  do,  even 
if  her  delicate  fingers  were  over  skilful  at  the  work.  The  Mexican 
eagle  with  its  out-stretched  wings  fairly  lay  before  us,  each  rustle  of 
the  flag  on  which  it  rested  causing  the  prismatic  colors  of  the  atmo- 
sphere to  play  over  the  brilliant  floss-silk  needlework  as  brilliantly 
as  if  it  had  been  the  plumage  of  the  bird  itself.  Some  fair  Mexican 
damsel's  bright  eyes  must  have  grown  weary  under  their  long  dark 
lashes,  in  thus  delicately  counterfeiting  nature.  Perhaps  it  was  the 
work  of  cloistered  nuns — some  holy  sisterhood  who,  by  ascetic  life, 
have  long  attenuated  fingers,  and  thus  made  more  nimble  than  those 
possessed  by  the  "  world's  gazers"  of  their  sex.  The  members  of  a 
wnole  convent,  probably,  have  said  their  matins  and  then  by  turns 
wrought  upon  that  banner,  which  they  fondly  hoped  was  destined  to 
lead,  gloriously,  the  arms  of  their  country  in  every  fight.  Alas !  for 
the  fortunes  of  war. 

That  flag,  in  the  battle  of  the  Palo  Alto,  was  torn  by  our  cannon 
shot,  and  now  bears  upon  its  folds  the  shattered  shreds  thus  rudely 


170  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


made.  At  the  Resaca  de  la  Palma  it  waved  over  the  bravest  troops, 
and  floated  in  the  wind  as  long  as  its  regiment  lasted  before  the  terri- 
ble fire  of  our  arms.  When  all  was  lost,  its  bearer  tore  it  from  its 
staff  and  fled,  to  save  it  from  the  stain  of  capture.  Such,  however,  was 
not  to  be  its  fortune.  The  brave  man  was  met  by  one  of  our  own 
troops,  and  hand  to  hand  they  fought  for  the  prize — the  Mexican 
nerved  by  every  feeling  of  patriotism,  the  American  by  every  sentiment 
of  a  soldier's  ambition.  The  brave  standard-bearer  was  overcome, 
and  the  precious  object  of  his  care  became  an  object  of  idle  curiosity, 
in  the  hands  of  his  enemy.  May  it  ever  be  respected  among  our  peo- 
ple, as  the  only  evidence  existing  of  the  once  brave  "  Batallon  de 
Tanpico." 

A  BOXING  IRISHMAN. 

After  the  battle  of  Resaca  de  la  Palma  became  general,  a  private,  an 
Irishman,  found  a  bunch  of  chaparral  between  himself  and  a  strapping 
Mexican.  The  Mexican  raised  his  piece,  and  taking  deliberate  aim, 
pulled  trigger :  the  piece  did  not  go  off.  The  Mexican  again  raised 
his  musket  and  snapped,  Paddy  all  the  time  coolly  looking  on.  At  the 
second  failure  to  discharge  his  piece  the  Mexican,  in  a  delirium  of 
wrath,  threw  his  musket  away,  and  went  through  various  gyrations 
of  despair.  •  Paddy,  mistaking  these  eccentricities  for  a  challenge  for  a 
fist  fight,  threw  away  his  musket,  and  placing  himself  in  an  attitude 
that  would  have  delighted  deaf  Burke,  sang  out,  "  Oh,  by  the  powers, 
you  will  not  find  me  amiss  with  the  fists,  if  that's  yer  game."  Lieut. 
,  who  was  observing  this  singular  exhibition  of  coolness  and  chi- 
valry, ordered  the  soldier  to  take  up  his  proper  weapon,  and  send  the 
Mexican  to  his  long  home,  which  was  done  accordingly. 

YOUNG  McINTOSH. 

\ 

In  the  hottest  part  of  the  battle  of  the  9th,  Lieut.  Mclntosh  noticed 
a  soldier  that  had  been  severely  wounded  in  the  leg,  and  who  was 
rapidly  bleeding  to  death.  He  stopped,  stooped  down,  leaned  his  mus- 
ket in  the  hollow  of  his  arm,  and  then  tied  a  handkerchief  above  the 
wound,  thrusting  a  bayonet  in  it,  so  as  to  form  a  torniquet,  and  then 
passed  on  to  the  charge.  This  chivalrous  act,  which  saved  the  sol- 
dier's life,  was  performed  amid  the  heaviest  fire  of  the  enemy. 


ANECDOTES  AND  INCIDENTS.  171 


A  FIGHTING  CLERGYMAN  WEST  OF  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

There  is  precedence  for  fighting  clergymen, — some  distinguished 
themselves  in  the  revolution  for  their  spirit  and  love  of  liberty.  We 
have  an  excellent  specimen  of  the  character  now  on  the  Rio  Grande. 
The  Rev.  Capt.  R.  A.  Stuart,  of  Louisiana,  commands  as  fine  a  body 
of  volunteers  as  were  ever  mustered, — he  is  strict  in  his  discipline, 
yet  sociable  in  his  habits, — he  has  gone  into  the  field  with  all  the 
enthusiasm  of  a  patriot,  and  all  the  high  duty  of  a  Christian  clergyman. 

Sunday,  June  1st,  will  in  time  be  memorable,  from  the  fact  that  the 
soldier  captain  preached  in  Mexico.  Throwing  aside  the  military,  he 
addressed  his  brothers  in  arms,  as  men,  responsible  to  a  Supreme  Being 
for  their  actions ;  and  his  appeals  were  listened  to  with  the  deepest 
interest,  and  the  eyes  of  many  sunburnt  veterans,  recently  distin- 
guished on  the  field  of  battle,  were  filled  with  tears,  and  their  bosoms 
heaved  with  emotions  more  powerful  than  had  ever  been  called  out 
by  the  brisk  cannonade  of  an  enemy. 

The  Rev.  captain  took  for  his  text :  If  ye  oppress  not  the  stranger, 
t7te  fatherless  and  the  widow,  and  shed  not  innocent  blood  in  this  place, 
neither  walk  after  other  gods  to  your  hurt, 

Then  I  will  cause  you  to  dwell  together  in  this  place,  in  the  land  I 
gave  to  your  fathers  for  ever  and  ever.  Jer.  vii.,  6,  7. 

The  comments  and  illustrations  were  apposite  in  the  extreme,  and 
suggested  by  the  scenes  around  the  speaker.  He  dwelt  upon  the  in- 
cidents of  the  preceding  month,  and  of  the  beautiful  spectacle  shown 
to  the  world  ,by  a  conquering  army,  extending  over  a  country  its 
laws, — which  were  more  benign,  more  liberal,  more  protecting,  than 
those  displaced  by  the  fortunes  of  war.  This,  said  the  speaker, 
warming  with  his  subject,  is  carrying  out  the  spirit  of  the  text, — this 
"  is  not  oppressing  the  stranger,  or  the  fatherless,  or  the  widow,  or 
shedding  innocent  blood."  Such  a  peaceful  conquest,  he  continued, 
worthily  rivals  the  gallant  feats  of  arms  that  shone  forth  on  the  fields 
of  Pala  Alto  and  Resaca  de  la  Palma, — such  a  peaceful  contest  went 
beyond  the  effect  of  arms — it  not  only  conquered  the  body,  but  car- 
ried willingly  captive  the  mind.  It  was  calculated  to  shed  light  over 
the  dark  borders  of  Tamaulipas, — to  make  its  inhabitants  embrace 
the  blessings  of  freedom, — to  open  their  eyes  to  the  degradations  of 


172  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

their  own  government,  that  enslaves  alike  their  bodies  and  their  minds. 
The  soldier-preacher  then  passed  on  to  the  second  part  of  his  text, 
— tt  Then  I  will  cause  you  to  dwell  in  this  place,  in  the  land  I  gave  to 
your  fathers  for  ever  and  ever."  It  would  be  impossible  for  us  to 
give  the  slightest  idea  of  the  conclusion  of  this  remarkable  discourse. 
The  Rev.  speaker  showed  most  plainly  and  beautifully,  that  it  was 
the  order  of  Providence  that  the  Anglo-Saxon  race  was  not  only  to 
take  possession  of  the  whole  North  American  continent,  but  to  influ- 
ence and  modify  the  character  of  the  world, — that  such  was  meant 
by  "  the  land  I  gave  your  fathers  for  ever  and  ever."  He  stated  that 
the  American  people  were  children  of  destiny,  and  were  the  passive 
instruments  in  the  hands  of  an  overruling  powei,  to  carry  out  its 
great  designs ;  and  beautifully  illustrated  this  position  by  a  rapid 
glance  at  the  history  of  our  nation  in  times  past,  and  the  present.  He 
concluded  by  hoping  that  hostilities  with  Mexico  would  cease, — that 
wiser  councils  would  govern  at  her  capitol, — and  that  peace  would 
again  extend  its  wings  over  her  distracted  land ;  and  with  a  truly 
eloquent  burst  of  patriotism  upon  the  Christian  duty  of  every  man's 
standing  by  his  country,  so  long  as  a  single  foe  remained  in  arms 
against  her,  he  sat  down,  amidst  deep,  silent,  powerfully  suppressed 
feeling. 

The  Rev.  R.  A.  Stuart  is  a  clergyman  of  the  Methodist  church,  and 
a  sugar  planter  in  the  parish  of  Iberville,  Louisiana. 

COMMERCE  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

This  river,  under  the  influence  of  American  enterprise,  is  assuming 
a  very  busy  appearance.  The  steamers  Frontier  and  Cincinnati  have 
arrived  at  Matamoros,  giving  to  the  port  of  the  town  a  lively  appear- 
ance. "  River  front  lots"  will  soon  become  valuable  in  that  city,  and 
stores  will  be  erected  on  the  water's  edge.  There  was  never  but  one 
steamer  on  the  Rio  Grande,  we  believe,  before  the  "  Army  of  Occu- 
pation" arrived  on  its  banks,  and  that  was  owned  by  one  of  the  Texian 
Austins,  as  far  back  as  1827.  The  boat  carried  on  a  very  brisk  trade 
as  high  up  tne  river  as  Comargo,  in  hides,  tallow,  bones,  &c.,  but  the 
ranchero  muleteers,  who  had  the  commerce  of  the  country  in  their 
own  hands,  complained  to  the  government  in  Mexico,  and  Austin's 
boat  was  ordered  off,  and  ever  after  prohibited  entering  the  Rio  Grande. 


ANECDOTES  AND  INCIDENTS.  173 


A  BRAVE  MEXICAN. 

Died. — On  Sunday  morning,  at  6  o'clock,  Capt.  Jose  A.  Baragan,  of  the 
Mexican  army,  wounded  in  the  battle  on  the  9th  of  May.  Capt.  Baragan 
was  a  brave  and  meritorious  officer,  and  behaved  gallantly  on  the  field  of 
battle.  He  was  much  esteemed  by  the  American  officers,  and  received  from 
them  every  respect  and  attention. — Matamoros  Republic  of  Rio  Grande. 

We  had  the  melancholy  pleasure  of  seeing  Capt.  Baragan,  while  in 
Matamoros.  He  was  confined  to  his  bed  by  wounds  he  received  in 
the  battle  of  the  9th.  He  was  an  object  of  interest  to  the  officers  of 
the  army,  because  of  his  gallant  bearing  in  the  field  of  battle,  and  for 
his  fortitude  while  suffering  under  his  wounds.  We  heard  Col 
Twiggs  observe,  that  if  he  died,  he  should  ask  permission  from  head 
quarters  to  bury  the  brave  Mexican  officer  with  military  honors,  as  a 
last  token  of  admiration  for  his  virtues.  These  incidents  are  interest- 
ing, because  they  display  the  better  side  of  the  soldier's  feelings,  and 
the  soldier's  heart. 

SERGEANT  VANDENHOOF. 

On  the  "  9th,"  Sergeant  Vandenhoof,  of  the  Fifth,  suddenly  came 
on  a  Mexican :  both  raised  their  muskets  at  the  same  time,  and  fired; 
both  missed ;  they  then  charged  with  their  bayonets,  and  the  Mexi- 
can fell. 

A  BOLD  ACT, 

Lieut.  E.  Kirby  Smith,  of  the  Fifth  regiment  of  Infantry,  in  the 
charge  of  his  regiment  on  the  9th,  jumped  astride  a  gun,  defended 
himself  until  it  was  taken  by  his  comrades,  and,  thus  seated,  was  drawn 
by  the  soldiers  into  the  presence  of  Gen.  Taylor. 

CAPT.  BLISS5  HORSE. 

This  gallant  officer,  while  acting  as  aid  to  Gen.  Taylor,  at  the  Palo 
Alto,  had  the  nose  of  his  horse  cut  badly  by  a  cannon  shot.  Soon 
after,  another  ball  struck  the  horse,  and  killed  him. 

A  DEATH  AVENGED. 

Lieut.  Chadbourne  was  killed,  when  in  the  act  of  taking  possession 
of  a  battery,  by  two  lancers ;  a  brother  officer  avenged  his  death,  by 
almost  instantly  killing  both  of  the  Mexicans  with  his  sword. 


174  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

A  MEXICAN'S  EYE  TO  BUSINESS. 

The  immense  number  of  the  killed,  rendered  it  impossible  for  our 
soldiers,  detailed  for  the  purpose,  to  bury  them  fast  enough ;  and  Gen. 
Taylor  sent  over  to  Matamoros  for  two  hundred  Mexicans,  to  assist 
in  these  solemn  rites.  Some  twenty  miserable-looking  fellows,  in 
obedience  to  the  demand,  came  across,  who  were  sent  to  hunt  for 
bodies  in  the  out-of-the-way  places.  They  were  gone  a  long  time, 
without  returning,  when  it  was  discovered  that  they  were  busy  shaving 
the  dead  horses'  tails — the  hair  being,  among  the  Mexicans,  a  valuable 
article  of  merchandise. 

A  JERSEY  BOY. 

A  young  man  from  New  Jersey,  by  the  name  of  Gilbert  Dudley, 
had  occasion  to  carry  some  message  to  an  advance  picket,  at  the  time 
the  Mexicans  were  surrounding  our  army  at  Fort  Brown.  On  return- 
ing, he  saw  two  Mexican  soldiers,  seated  under  a  tree,  with  their 
muskets  leaning  near  them.  Dudley  instantly  sprang  in  front  of  the 
muskets,  and  raising  his  rifle,  signified  to  the  Mexicans  that  they  must 
march  in  the  direction  he  pointed.  They  obeyed  him,  and  he  thus 
secured  two  prisoners  of  war,  marching  them  into  camp. 

DOGS  IN  THE  BATTLE. 

Very  many  of  the  officers  attached  to  the  "  Army  of  Occupation," 
owned  remarkably  fine  dogs,  principally  of  the  pointer  and  setter 
species.  After  the  battle  of  the  8th  began,  and  the  firing  became  gene- 
ral, two  dogs,  remarkable  for  their  intelligence,  appeared  to  listen  to 
the  confusion  for  awhile,  and  after  an  ardent  consultation,  they  started 
off  at  great  speed  for  Point  Isabel,  being  the  first  arrivals  at  that  place 
from  the  battle  field. 

There  was  one  brave  dog,  however,  to  redeem  the  character  of  the 
species.  He  posted  himself  in  front  of  one  of  the  batteries,  and 
watched  with  intense  gravity  the  appearance  of  the  ball ;  the  instant 
it  was  discharged,  he  would  start  after  it  at  full  speed,  expressing 
great  surprise  that  it  was  out  of  sight  so  suddenly ;  lie  would  then 
wheel  round,  and  watch  the  appearance  of  another  ball,  and  then 
again  commence  the  futile  chase,  and  so  continued  throughout  the 
action,  escaping  unharmed. 


ANECDOTES  AND  INCIDENTS.  175 

GEN.  TAYLOR'S  FRANKNESS. 

Gen.  Taylor  never  concealed  any  of  his  plans,  where  it  was  at  all 
necessary  that  they  should  become  known  in  a  business  way.  On 
all  occasions  he  acts  with  the  greatest  frankness  towards  his  own  coun- 
trymen, and  towards  the  Mexicans.  As  an  illustration  of  his  off-hand 
manner,  we  heard  the  following  authentic  anecdote  : 

After  Gen.  Taylor  had  informed  the  Mexicans  that  he  should  take 
Matamoros,  a  deputation  of  its  citizens  waited  upon  him,  with  the 
evident  intention  of  delaying  the.  occupation.  Gen.  Taylor  replied  that 
he  should  take  the  city  at  a  given  time,  naming  it ;  and  said,  that  if 
any  opposition  was  made,  he  would  batter  it  down,  and  if  the  delega- 
tion thought  he  could  not  do  it,  they  might  walk  up  to  Fort  Brown, 
and  examine  his  preparations  for  themselves. 

WINNING  A  SADDLE. 

Among  the  Texian  Rangers,  "  winning  a  saddle,"  means,  taking  one 
from  a  Mexican.  On  the  8th,  when  Gen.  Torrejon  charged  with  his 
cavalry,  a  Mexican  officer  and  horse  fell  upon  the  field.  A  Texian 
dismounted  amidst  the  very  charge,  and  in  an  instant  almost,  transfer- 
red the  officer's  saddle  to  his  own  horse,  and  left  his  own  in  its  place, 
saying,  that  if  it  was  not  a  fair  exchange,  the  owner  might  come  to 
him,  and  he  would  pay  the  difference. 

THE  FORCE  OF  A  BALL. 

A  scopet  was  found  on  the  Resaca  de  la  Palma,  through  the  side 
of  a  barrel  of  which,  had  passed  a  musket  ball.  The  scopet  is  kept 
as  a  curiosity. 

MEXICAN  RATIONS. 

The  Mexicans  had  a  curious  way  of  carrying  their  rations ;  many 
wore  heavy  high-crowned  leather  hats.  In  the  top  of  some  of  these 
hats,  there  were  tin  pans  ingeniously  fitted  in,  and  filled  with  food. 

CRANIOLOGICAL  CURIOSITY. 

The  heads  of  the  Mexicans  found  on  the  battle  field,  were  remark- 
ably small  and  round;  their  hats  appeared  to  be  short  sections  of 
stove-pipe.  Their  teeth  were  invariably  good. 


176  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

^s*s*^^*j*^s^rv*~rv»**s**u*S**s^^ 

A  SQUADRON  OF  DISAPPOINTED  LOVERS. 

Capt.  May,  who  wears  his  hair  and  beard  very  long,  on  account  of 
the  climate,  caused  thereby  much  speculation  as  to  the  reason.  Some 
of  the  papers  stated,  it  was  on  account  of  disappointed  love.  It  is  a 
singular  coincidence,  if  this  be  true,  that  every  man  attached  to  May's 
command  is  afflicted  in  the  same  way,  as  they  all  have,  more  or  less, 
long  hair  and  long  beards.  Such  a  brave  set  of  disappointed  lovers, 
we  think,  never  before  got  together;  they  stand  up  against  their 
wounded  hearts  most  manfully,  and  seem  likely  to  get  through  with 
them,  without  much  ultimate  injury. 

MEXICAN  CRUELTY. 

During  Capt.  May's  charge,  Lieut.  Z.  M.  P.  Inge  fell  at  the  head  of 
his  platoon,  mortally  wounded  in  the  throat  by  a  cannon  shot ;  his 
horse  was  also  killed.  In  the  midst  of  the  battle,  his  body  was 
stripped  by  the  rancheros,  and  mutilated  with  their  spears. 

BEAUTIFUL  REMARK. 

A  gentleman  expressing  some  surprise  that  Gen.  Taylor  was  so 
promptly  made  a  major  general,  was  replied  to  as  follows : — "  Gen. 
Taylor  wrote  out  his  claims  to  the  title  of  major  general  on  the  battlo 
field,  and  public  opinion  gave  him  his  commission." 

CHIVALROUS  ACT. 

A  sergeant  of  Capt.  Cobun's  company,  Third  regiment,  in  charging 
a  Mexican  battery  aimed  at  our  advancing  columns,  saw  one  of  the 
Mexican  gunners  light  its  quick  match,  and  then  retreat ;  the  sergeant 
rushed  upon  the  piece,  pulled  out  the  match,  and  then  followed  on 
with  his  company. 


ANNIVERSARIES.  177 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

Translations  from  Mexican  papers  found  in  Matamoros — An  editor  speculates 
on  the  propriety  of  anniversaries — He  glories  in  the  great  days  of  the  Mexi- 
can nation — Some  doubt  comes  on  his  mind  about  the  unsullied  character 
of  his  national  flag — Glorious  prospects,  if  certain  things  come  to  pass— 
Ampudia's  resignation  to  Arista — Canales  threatens  to  exterminate  the 
Anglo-American  nation — Ampudia's  proclamation  against  illicit  trade — 
Arista's  report  of  the  Mexican  killed  and  wounded  on  the  8th  and  9th — 
Parrode  to  the  troops  of  the  department  of  Tamaulipas. 

"  EVERY  nation  has  one  or  more  days,  consecrated  to  perpetuate 
the  memory  of  those  events  that  have  affected  its  history  the  most 
before  the  world.  Such  has  been  the  practice  of  nations,  since  the  re- 
motest antiquity.  Thus  Greece,  and  Rome,  and  almost  all  the  pagan 
nations,  raised  temples  to  their  illustrious  captains,  in  commemoration 
of  the  battles  they  had  won,  in  which  they  deposited  their  tributes 
of  homage,  as  well  as  then-  tears,  to  the  memory  of  those  killed  in 
their  country's  cause.  Modern  nations,  and  Mexico,  have  imitated 
and  observed  this  custom,  and  for  this  reason,  among  us,  the  1 6th  of 
September,  1810,  has  been  decreed  a  solemn  anniversary:  on  such  a 
day,  our  gratitude  must  be  a  public  one,  as  the  16th  of  September 
was  marked  by  the  finger  of  God,  as  the  day  in  which  the  cry 
should  be  given,  which  at  whose  echo  the  lion  of  Spain  felt  pros- 
trate, to  be  replaced  by  the  EAGLE  OF  ANAHUAC,  the  movements  of 
whose  wings  astonished  the  world,  by  showing  to  it  the  wonderful 
metamorphose  of  the  existence  of  seven  millions  of  inhabitants,  which 
it  was  before  ignorant  of.  In  the  same  manner,  the  27th  of  September, 
1821,  after  eleven  years  of  a  bloody  war,  and  after  many  brave  heads 
had  been  cut  off  by  the  executioner,  is  a  grateful  day  to  the  Mexicans, 
as  it  gave  to  them  a  country,  and  in  it  the  catalogue  of  nations  was 
increased. 

"  But,  coming  to  our  object,  there  are  days  which  we  wish  were 
covered  with  a  veil,  as  they  bring  to  us  fatal  ideas;  such  as  the  21st 
of  April,  1836,  as  in  it,  by  an  unpardonable  neglect,  a  spot  has  been 

left,  which  we  would  wish  was  not  indelible,  on  the  tri-colored  flag ; 

12 


178  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

that  flag,  at  whose  move  fled  panic-struck  the  hosts  of  the  degenerate 
sons  of  Pelayus,  and  of  the  conquerors  of  the  heroes  of  Marengo, 
Austerlitz,  and  the  Pyramids. 

"  It  was  ten  years  ago,  that,  in  spite  of  the  glorious  engagements  in 
which  was  exhibited  the  courage  of  the  Mexican  troops,  valiant  par 
excellence,  that  they,  at  least,  had  to  yield  the  place,  to  say  so,  to 
those  coward  enemies,  that  had  raised  the  flag  of  ignominy,  SAN 
J  AC  INTO  !  This  is  distinguished  as  the  loss  of  Texas,  though  the 
true  motives  were  only  the  fruits  of  our  inexperience  and  foresighted- 
ness.  San  Jacinto  caused  remembrances  that  will  be  forever  odious, 
until  we  punish  those  who  pretended  to  be  friends  of  Mexico,  the 
better  to  evade  and  usurp  our  property. 

"  The  consciousness  of  our  superiority,  and  the  confidence  that  the 
Supreme  Being  will  approve  of  the  victory  to  be  had  over  the  North 
American  army  encamped  opposite  this  city,  on  the  left  bank  of  the 
Bravo ;  and  the  horrible  precedents  of  the  generals  commanding  the 
Division  of  the  North,  are  among  the  powerful  reasons  which  move 
us,  since  we  have  begun  to  edit  this  journal,  with  the  just  end  to  ob- 
tain more  glory  to  Mexico,  by  raising  the  warlike  spirit  of  our  troops, 
if  these  troops,  so  accustomed  to  fight  with  courage  for  the  holy  rights 
of  their  country,  need  be  excited  to  it. 

"  No  matter  if  we  are  blamed  for  it ;  we  would  have  thought  it  a 
good  omen  if  we  had  opened  our  fires  on  the  enemy  two  or  three 
days  before  this,  relying  that  the  justice  of  the  God  of  battles  would 
be  ready  to  fulminate  on  the  day  the  terrible  sword  on  the  heads  of 
the  wretches ;  that  is  to  say,  that  this  had  been  done  exactly  on  the 
Tenth  anniversary  of  the  terrible  defeat  of  San  Jacinto. 

"  We  must  confess  though,  that,  convinced  as  we  are  that  the  day 
will  pass  without  verifying  the  accomplishment  of  our  desires,  we  let 
fall  on  these  lines  tears  of  grief — patriotic  tears — falling  perhaps 
without  much  cause,  but  which  sadden  our  hearts,  as  does  the  sight 
of  the  North  American  soldier  to  that  of  the  Republic.  Nevertheless, 
we  are  cheered  by  the  grateful  consideration  that  in  the  bosoms  of  our 
warriors  are  burning  feelings  and  patriotic  enthusiasms ;  and  we  are 
convinced  that  if  the  battle  was  not  given  on  the  day  we  thought  pre- 
destinated for  the  vengeance  of  a  great  crime,  it  will  be  given  at  an 
early  day.  The  soul  of  the  Mexican  cannot  look  with  indifference 


LETTER  FROM  CANALES.  179 


upon  the  odious  flag  waving  before  him — odious  flag  of  the  stars. 
Maybe  to  day — and  this  thought  is  terrible — our  enemies  are  toasting 
in  their  curst  orgies  to  the  memory  of  this  event,  to  them  so  glorious, 
to  us  so  degrading.  Let  them  tremble  amidst  their  rejoicings,  as  the 
veterans  of  our  country  will  soon  plant  the  tables  of  their  repasts  upon 
the  torn  corses  of  their  invaders. 

"  His  Excellency,  the  commander-in-chief  of  the  Division  of  the 
North,  Don  Mariano  Arista,  comes  resolved  to  combat  for  the  honor  of 
the  Republic.  He  accepted  the  command  offered  to  him  by  the  supreme 
government  for  the  noble  purpose  of  showing  to  the  proud  Mississippi 
Riflemen  what  the  bayonets  of  our  soldiers  can  do.  Let  Heaven  pro- 
tect our  just  cause.  Let  the  arrival  of  Gen.  Arista  be  the  knell  of  the 
extermination  of  the  Anglo-Saxon  race. 

[Matamoros,  April  15 — jlquila  del  Norte.] 
Secretary  of  the  Second  General-in-Chief') 

OF  THE    DIVISION  OF  THE  NoHTH.^ 

HONORED  SIR  : — Trusting,  after  having  sent  to  you  the  extraordi- 
nary express  by  which  I  announce  to  you  the  approaching  triumph 
of  our  arms  over  the  invading  enemy,  I  received  the  order  which  your 
Excellency  communicated  to  me  from  his  Excellency,  the  President 
ad  interim,  to  deliver  up  the  command-in-chief  of  the  division  to  his 
Excellency  the  Gen.  Don  Mariano  Arista ;  and  for  its  fulfilment  I  have 
made  his  Excellency  known  in  such  character  in  the  general  order  of 
day.  Few  hours  were  wasted  to  carry  into  execution  the  plan,  which 
I  had  made  myself,  when  I  also  received  the  official  despatch,  of  which 
the  accompanying  is  a  copy.  The  military  laws  being  so  strict,  no- 
thing is  left  for  me  to  do  but  to  obey  superior  orders. 

God  and  liberty! — MATAMOROS,  April  14. 

PEDRO  AMPUDIA. 

To  his  Excellency,  the  MINISTER  OP  WAR  AND  MARINE. 

AUXILIARY  REGIMENT  OF  THE  CITIES  OF  THE  NORTH  : 

SINCE  the  very  hour  in  which  your  Excellency  left  this  frontier,  the 
persecutions  began  against  the  citizens  who  form  this  Auxiliary  Regi- 
ment, which,  from  its  formation  has  been  under  my  orders  :  but  even 
this  is  nothing.  The  persecution  was  extended  to  all  the  citizens  of 


180  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

the  cities  of  the  north  that  had  assisted,  in  conjunction  with  the  regi- 
ment, to  give  your  Excellency  the  civic  and  unfading  crown  which 
you  so  justly  deserve.  Camargo,  Mier,  Guerrero,  and  Reinoso  were 
freed  in  December  '42,  by  your  Excellency's  heroic  and  brave  efforts. 
What  are  our  emotions  and  feelings  of  gratitude  at  seeing  your  Excel- 
lency at  the  head  of  our  forces,  none  better  than  your  Excellency  can 
estimate  :  to  attempt  to  explain  them  would  be  impossible.  It  seems 
as  if  Providence,  in  its  inscrutable  designs,  had  marked  your  Excel- 
lency as  the  powerful  liberator  of  these  inhabitants.  Twice  have  they 
been  near  deserted,  and  as  many  times  has  your  Excellency  appeared 
as  their  tutelary  deity,  to  deliver  them  from  a  complete  extermination. 
Let  your  Excellency  then  receive,  on  this  occasion,  the  most  grateful 
congratulations,  not  only  from  me,  but  from  the  Auxiliary  Regiment 
under  my  command,  for  your  happy  arrival  in  this  city,  and  for  the  wise 
appointment  which  the  supreme  government  has  made  in  naming  you 
our  commander-in-chief ;  whose  mere  presence  at  our  head  is  a  sure 
and  happy  omen  of  the  future  victory  that  awaits  us.  On  this  account 
we  congratulate  your  Excellency,  as  under  your  command  triumph  is 
certain.  The  hated  flag  of  the  stars  and  stripes  will  shortly  be  hum- 
bled at  the  feet  of  our  eagle.  The  madness  of  ambition  or  rapacity 
are  natural  evils,  which  carry  their  own  punishment.  Your  Excel- 
lency may  depend  upon  my  efforts,  and  those  of  the  regiment  under 
my  command,  to  carry  into  effect  the  destruction  of  the  North  Ameri- 
cans, and  those  who  may  pretend  to  imitate  them. 

God  and  liberty! — GUADALOUPE  CAMP,  April  13,  1846. 

ANTONIO  CANALES. 

To  His  Ex.  the  General-in-Chief,  DON  PEDRO  APMUDIA. 

DIVISION  OF  THE  NORTH,") 
General-in-Chief.  \ 

CONSIDERING  that  the  hour  has  arrived  for  taking  vigorous  and  pre- 
ventive measures,  to  clear  the  eastern  department  from  Anglo-Ameri- 
can rapacity ;  and  that,  according  to  the  rights  and  laws  of  war,  every 
one  who  may  be  a  traitor  to  his  country,  or  a  spy  to  the  enemy, 
must  suffer  the  penalty  of  death,  without  any  remission  whatever;  and 
lastly,  considering  that  it  is  my  sacred  duty  to  put  a  stop  to  the  con- 
traband trade  carried  on  with  the  Americans,  and  making  use  of  the 
powers  granted  me  by  the  existing  laws,  I  have  resolved — • 


KILLED  AND  WOUNDED  OFFICERS.  181 

1st.  That  every  natural  citizen,  or  stranger  residing  on  this  frontier, 
or  in  any  of  the  towns  of  the  three  eastern  departments,  who  shall 
lend  aid,  either  directly  or  indirectly,  to  the  enemies,  shall  be  shot. 

2d.  All  those,  that  after  the  publication  of  this  proclamation,  shall 
continue  the  baneful  contraband  trade  with  the  enemy,  will  suffer  the 
same  penalty  of  the  former  article,  it  being  granted,  that  the  North 
Americans,  in  marching  troops  to  the  left  bank  of  the  Rio  Grande,  have 
in  fact  declared  war. 

3d.  The  civil  and  judicial  authorities  are  charged  strictly  to  accom- 
plish these  preventive  measures,  at  their  own  responsibility. 

PEDRO  DE  AMPUDIA. 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  REONOSA,  April  8,  1846. 

Jlristcfs  Report. 
DIVISION  OF  THE  NORTH. 

List  of  Officers  killed  and  tcounded  in  the  battles  of  the  8th  and  Qth. 
BATTLE  OF  THE  EIGHTH. 

Killed — Capt.  Antonio  Rubi ;  Lieutenants  Pedo  Mabury,  Francisco 
Rosas,  and  Francisco  Battala. 

Wounded — Col.  Luis  Foriega ;  Captains  Ignacir  Gutierez,  Juan  Gar- 
redo,  Guabalupe  Cardenas,  Telesforo  Carrion,  Leonardo  Picazo,  Fer- 
nando Marrni;  Lieutenants  Remijis  Osorno,  Antonio  Daza,  Manuel 
Mastareno,  and  Ensign  Leopoldo  Mijia. 

BATTLE  OF  THE  NINTH. 

Killed — Captains  Jose  Ramires,  Manuel  Arana,  Pedro  Apesteguia ; 
Lieutenants  Francisco  Pacheco,  Antonio  Lousa,and  Ensign  Jose  Martel. 

Wounded — Lieutenant  Colonels  Francisco  Garcia  Cazanova,  Mari- 
ano Fernandez  ;  Commander  of  Battalion,  J.  Maria  Mateus ;  Comman- 
der of  Squadron,  Ignacio  Pena ;  Captains  Jose  Barreiro,  Jose  Garduno, 
Idelfondo  Vega,  Mariano  Blanco,  Jose  Felix  Velez,  Jose  Apolonio  Bar- 
ragan;  Lieutenants  Antonio  Aguinaja,  Anselmo  Juarez,  Doroter  Nava, 
Antonio  Villegas,  Lauro  Ordonez,  Mariano  Sandi,  Juan  Larrondo,  Luir 
Vargas,  Camilo  Granados,  Roman  Gil,  Francisco  Rivas ;  Ensigns  Mijuel 
Gutierrez,  Cristoval  Castro. 

Memorandum  1st — -All  the  officers,  except  Capt.  Pedro  Apesteguia 
and  Ensign  Jose  Martel,  who  were  drowned  in  crossing  the  river,  died 
on  the  battle  field. 


182  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

2d — Lieut.  Anselmo  Juarez  and  Ensign  Manuel  Marano,  have  just 
died  of  their  wounds. 

DIVISION  OF  THE  NOHTH,~) 

Commander-in-Chief.  y 

The  enclosed  despatch  will  inform  your  Excellency  of  the  number 
of  wounded  and  killed,  that  we  have  had,  as  well  as  of  those  missing' 
yet,  and  that  our  troops  amount  to  four  thousand  men,  exclusive  of 
the  numerous  auxiliary  troops. 

MAPxIANO  ARISTA. 

The  Commander-in-  Chief  of  the  Department  of  TamauUpas,  to  the 
troops  under  his  command  : 

FELLOW  SOLDIERS  :  The  afternoon  of  the  8th  of  this  month,  our 
brothers  of  Matamoros  have  fought  with  intrepidity  and  enthusiasm 
in  the  Fanques  del  Ramerino  :  on  the  9th,  they  charged  again  with  the 
same  ardor.  But  fate  has  not  crowned  our  efforts  ;  the  enemy  passed 
from  the  fort,  favored  by  the  dense  smoke  of  a  wood  on  fire,  whicli 
protected  them  from  our  shot ;  thus  have  our  enemies  escaped ! 

Soldiers  :  Another  time  we  shall  conquer ;  such  is  the  fate  of  war ; ' 
a  defeat  to-day,  and  glory  to-morrow ;  that  glory  will  be  ours  at  the 
end  of  this  holy  struggle.  The  God  of  battles  is  trying  our  valor,  but 
he  has  not  abandoned  us :  we  know  how  to  conquer,  and  we  know 
how  to  suffer. 

Soldiers:  The  lamentation  of  the  soldier  for  the  companion  who 
dies  on  the  field  of  battle,  ought  to  be  a  shot  well  aimed  at  the  enemy. 
Those  are  the  tears  which  our  brothers  require  of  our  love.  Their 
tomb  must  be  raised  in  the  American  camp.  The  corpses  of  the  Yankees 
ought  to  form  their  mausoleums. 

Soldiers :  If  we  have  lost  some  of  our  brothers,  the  glory  will  be 
greater ;  there  will  be  fewer  conquerors ;  it  is  not  the  number  which 
gives  victory.  There  were  but  three  hundred  Spartans,  and  the  power- 
ful Xerxes  did  not  cross  the  Thermopylae.  The  celebrated  army  of 
the  great  Napoleon  perished  in  Spain,  at  the  hands  of  a  defenceless 
people,  but  they  were  free  and  intrepid,  and  were  fighting  for  their 
liberty. 

Fellow  soldiers  :  Shall  we  do  less  than  they  did  ?  We  are  fighting 
for  our  liberty,  our  religion,  our  country,  our  cradles,  our  graves.  Let 


PARRODE'S  PROCLAMATION.  183 

he  who  does  not  wish  to  die  a  traitor — he  who  wishes  to  deserve  the 
tears  of  his  children,  let  him  take  breath  and  sustain  his  courage ;  he 
must  not  faint — he  must  not  fear.  But,  what  have  we  to  fear  ?  The 
heart  tells  us,  that  in  it  we  shall  find  all  that  is  requisite,  and  our  hearts 
we  will  oppose  to  the  enemy. 

Soldiers :  Vengeance  for  our  brothers !  glory  for  our  children !  honor 
for  our  country ! 

We  will  defend  those  cherished  feelings.  Do  not  fear.  I  swear  to 
you,  that  if  the  day  be  a  laborious  one,  our  glory  will  be  sweeter ; 
but  glory  we  will  have,  and  your  general  and  companion  will  attain 
it  with  your  loyalty  and  valor. 

ANASTATIC  PARRODE. 

TAMPJCO,  May  13,  1846. 


184  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


CHAPTER   XXII. 

Major  General  Z.  Taylor — His  military  history. 

THE  brilliant  events  which  have  become  associated  with  the  "Army 
of  Occupation,"  have  made  Major  Gen.  Taylor  one  of  the  most  con- 
spicuous men  of  the  nation.  He  has  shown  himself  eminently  an 
example  of  true  American  character,  by  being  equal  to  any  emergency. 
The  very  difficulties  under  which  he  has  labored,  in  the  most  trying 
eras  of  his  life,  have  called  forth  traits  of  character,  civil,  and  military, 
of  the  highest  order.  His  despatches,  for  their  modesty,  clearness, 
and  good  taste,  have  been  admired  the  world  over,  while  they  have, 
at  the  same  time,  recorded  victories  in  arms,  unsurpassed  for  bril- 
liancy in  the  annals  of  war. 

Major  Gen.  Taylor  was  born  in  Orange  county,  Virginia,  on  the 
24th  of  November,  1784.  His  father,  Capt.  Dick  Taylor,  removed 
to  the  "  dark  and  bloody  ground"  before  Zachary  was  a  year  old,  he 
was  therefore  raised  and  educated  in  Kentucky.  His  father  was  a 
chivalrous  man,  and  remarkable  for  his  daring,  even  among  the  bold 
spirits  that  filled  the  West  in  its  early  days.  Zachary  was  a  lad  of 
active  habits,  and  fond  of  athletic  sports.  It  is  related  of  him  that, 
when  he  was  a  young  man,  he  swam,  with  his  brother,  from  the 
Kentucky  shore  across  to  the  Indiana  side  of  the  river,  and  back  again, 
at  a  time  when  it  was  booming  with  the  high  water  of  March,  and 
freezing  from  the  cold  weather.  Immediately  after  the  news  spread 
through  the  country  of  the  attack  on  the  Chesapeake,  he  entered  the 
army  as  a  lieutenant,  being  then  twenty-four  years  of  age ;  he  rose  to 
the  rank  of  captain  before  the  close  of  the  war. 

Capt.  Taylor  was  first  brought  prominently  before  the  people  of 
the  country  in  1812,  by  his  gallant  defence  of  Fort  Harrison.  On 
the  5th  of  September  of  that  year,  the  fort,  then  in  the  Territory  of 
Indiana,  was  attacked  by  the  Miamis  in  large  force,  and  by  him  re- 
pulsed. On  the  evening  of  the  3d,  four  guns  were  heard,  which 


GENERAL  TAYLOR'S  HISTORY.  185 


Capt.  Taylor  presumed  were  fired  upon  two  young  men.  who  had 
previously  gone  out  of  the  fort ;  as  a  party,  under  the  command  of 
"  the  Prophet,"  was  known  to  be  skulking  about.  There  were  hi  the 
stockade  a  number  of  sick,  nine  women  and  children,  and  but  fifteen 
or  sixteen  men  fit  for  duty.  Waiting  until  morning,  Capt.  Taylor 
then  sent  out  a  small  party,  to  learn,  if  possible,  the  cause  of  the  firing 
the  night  previous.  The  bodies  of  the  two  young  men  were  found 
scalped,  and  otherwise  mutilated;  their  remains  were  brought  into 
the  fort  and  buried.  A  communication  was  soon  afterwards  received 
from  the  Prophet,  that  left  no  doubt  that  a  hostile  attack  might  soon 
be  expected.  Capt.  Taylor,  although  having  just  recovered  from  a 
severe  indisposition,  personally  inspected  the  different  defences,  ex- 
amined the  guns,  and  delivered  ammunition  to  his  men.  Every  pre- 
caution was  taken  to  guard  against  surprise,  it  being  by  him  resolved 
not  to  surrender  the  fort  while  he  lived,  however  great  a  force  might 
be  brought  against  it.  At  midnight  he  was  called  from  his  quarters, 
with  the  announcement  that  the  Indians  had  fired  the  lower  block 
house ;  a  building  that  contained  a  large  portion  of  the  stores  of  the 
army  contractor.  The  enemy,  at  the  same  time,  assisted  by  the  light, 
commenced  with  then:  rifles.  Orders  were  immediately  issued  for  the 
buckets  to  be  got  ready,  and  for  water  to  be  drawn  from  the  well,  to 
extinguish  the  conflagration  which  had  not  yet  extended  far.  The 
men,  however,  either  from  sickness,  or  apprehension  of  defeat,  did 
not  spring  to  then*  work  with  spirit ;  the  fire  rapidly  extended,  reached 
the  store  room,  and  exploded  a  quantity  of  whiskey,  throwing  the 
flames  to  the  roof  of  the  building;  the  men  in  the  fort  gave  up  in 
despair. 

The  scene  was  now  terrible ;  the  illumination  made  by  the  burning 
building,  in  the  dark  night,  gave  every  thing  a  mysterious  and  repul- 
sive look,  and  reflected  upon  the  faces  of  hundreds  of  painted  savages, 
who  mingled  their  war  hoop,  and  rifles,  with  the  crackling  of  the 
burning  buildings,  and  the  screams  of  the  women  and  children  in  the 
fort.  So  completely  were  the  soldiers  paralysed,  that  two  of  the 
stoutest  deserted  then-  posts. 

The  whole  of  the  resources  of  Capt.  Taylor  were  now  called  into 
requisition.  He  ordered  a  number  of  his  men  to  mount  the  roof  of 
the  barrack  building,  and  throw  off  such  parts  as  were  in  contact  with 


186  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

the  block  house :  he  then  kept  the  gable  end  thoroughly.  Laboring 
with  his  men,  he  pointed  out  to  them  how  the  buildings  could  be 
saved.  Hope  began  to  revive  at  the  prospect  of  success ;  the  men 
labored  with  spirit,  and  the  block  house  gradually  burned  down,  with- 
out communicating  its  fire  to  the  adjoining  buildings.  To  protect  the 
opening  thus  made  in  the  fort,  a  breast  work  had  been  erected  in  ad- 
vance, which  completely  protected  it  from  the  assaults  of  the  Indians, 
who  found  themselves  foiled  and  defeated,  when  they  thought  they 
had  accomplished  an  easy  victory  over  the  fort.  The  fire  was  now 
returned  from  the  fort  upon  the  Miamis,  who,  finally,  sullenly  re- 
treated ;  Capt.  Taylor  having  lost  only  one  man. 

With  a  modesty  characteristic  of  his  despatches  from  the  Rio 
Grande,  Capt.  Taylor  related  the  attack  and  repulse  of  the  Miamis 
upon  his  fort,  to  Gen.  Harrison.  President  Madison  shortly  after- 
wards conferred  upon  Capt.  Taylor  the  brevet  rank  of  Major,  for  his 
gallantry. 

In  1832,  with  the  rank  of  Colonel  conferred  upon  him,  he  was  ac- 
tively engaged  in  the  Black  Hawk  war,  commanding  the  First  Infantry 
and  the  Sixth.  In  1836,  he  was  ordered  to  Florida.  The  year  fol- 
lowing, he  received  the  title  of  Brevet  Brigadier  General.  In  Florida 
he  distinguished  himself  by  being  among  the  foremost  in  danger,  esta- 
blishing a  lasting  fame  by  his  celebrated  battle  of  the  O-ke-cho-bee. 
Story  hath  it,  that  Gen.  Taylor  was  challenged  to  battle  by  Alligator, 
an  invitation  to  fight  readily  accepted.  The  Indians  were  confident 
of  success,  as  they  were  to  be  met  in  their  own  entrenchments ;  the 
O-ke-cho-bee  being  the  only  place,  in  the  Florida  war,  where  the  In- 
dians voluntarily  met  our  troops.  The  Indians,  seven  hundred  in  num- 
ber, were  entrenched  in  a  strong  position,  in  a  thick  swamp,  covered 
in  front  by  a  small  stream,  which  was  rendered  totally  impassable  by 
quicksands.  Col.  Taylor  charged  on  the  Indians  with  about  four 
hundred  men,  composed  of  the  First,  Fourth,  and  Sixth  regiments  of 
the  U.  S.  infantry,  and  a  number  of  Missouri  volunteers. 

The  battle  was  hotly  contested ;  for  three  hours  our  troops  sus- 
tained a  deadly  fire,  driving  the  Indians  before  them  inch  by  inch,  with 
the  point  of  the  bayonet.  One  hundred  and  thirty-nine  of  our  troops 
were  killed,  being  nearly  one-third  of  our  whole  force.  Col.  Taylor 
was  on  horseback  throughout  the  whole  contest,  exposed  to  the 


GEN.  TAYLOR'S  HISTORY.  187 


deadly  fire  of  the  enemy,  frequently  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight,  en- 
couraging his  troops  by  his  presence,  and  cheering  them  on  in  the 
deadly  charge.  Victory  was  complete :  the  battle  of  O-ke-cho-bee 
was  the  last  stand  where  the  Indians,  in  any  body,  met  our  troops. 
After  five  years'  arduous  service,  Gen.  Taylor  resigned  his  command 
in  Florida. 

.  After  Gen.  Taylor's  retirement  from  Florida,  he  was  assigned  the 
command  of  the  First  Department  of  the  army,  including  the  states 
of  Louisiana,  Mississippi,  Alabama,  &cc.,  with  his  head  quarters  at 
Fort  Jessup.  His  position  gave  him  command  of  the  "  Army  of  Oc- 
pation." 

The  brilliant  events  that  have  cro wned  the  history  of  the  Army  of 
Occupation,  are  familiar  with  the  world.  On  the  29th  of  June,  the 
President  enclosed  to  Brevet  Brigadier  General  Taylor,  the  commis- 
sion of  Brevet  Major  General,  for  his  brilliant  achievements  on  the 
Palo  Alto,  and  Resaca  de  la  Palma.  Lastly,  by  the  recommendation 
of  the  President,  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  Senate,  and  the  uni- 
versal sanction  of  the  people  of  the  United  States,  Zachary  Taylor 
was  appointed  a  Major  General  of  the  United  States  Army. 


OBITUARY. 


MAJOR  JACOB  BROWN. 

MAJOR  JACOB  BROWN,  whose  death  occurred  during  the  bombardment 
of  "  Fort  Brown,"  (which  appellation  it  has  received  in  respect  to  his  me- 
mory,) was  a  native  of  Berkshire,  Massachusetts. — In  1812,  he  enlisted  in 
the  army,  as  a  private  soldier.  He  served  with  great  gallantry  throughout 
the  war,  and  was  in  all  the  battles  on  the  frontiers,  through  1813  and  '14. 
But  before  the  close  of  the  war,  he  was  commissioned  with  a  lieutenancy^ 
for  good  conduct  in  the  battle  of  Chrisler's  fields,  and  since  that  time  he 
had  risen,  through  regular  gradations,  to  the  rank  of  Major. 

In  his  long  service  of  thirty-four  years,  Major  Brown  had  many  respon- 
sible tasks  imposed  upon  him,  all  of  which  he  fulfilled  with  honor  to  him- 
self and  country.  He  possessed  the  entire  confidence  and  love  of  all.  It 
is  said  that  he  never  was  engaged  in  a  duel,  except  as  a  peace-maker 
between  belligerents,  and  that  he  was  never  tried  by  a  court  martial.  He 
is  represented  as  having  been  an  excellent  disciplinarian,  and  a  prudent 
and  most  efficient  commander. 

Major  Brown  was  a  man  of  sound  judgment,  and  of  remarkable  kindness 
of  heart.  He  was  beloved  by  all  who  knew  him,  and  his  fall  in  the  fort 
caused  the  greatest  feeling  on  the  part  of  the  soldiers.  Many  of  them 
shed  tears,  in  their  uncontrollable  sorrow  at  his  and  their  misfortune. 

In  battle  he  was  distinguished  for  his  great  coolness,  military  skill,  and 
singular  courage.  Gen.  Taylor  pronounced  his  loss  "irreparable." 

During  his  public  career,  he  was  at  various  times  intrusted  by  govern- 
ment with  large  sums  of  money,  and  was  always  remarkable  for  his  accu- 
racy, untiring  attention,  great  system,  correctness,  probity,  and  punctuality 
in  every  thing  relating  to  business.  He  resided  for  many  years  at  Little 
Rock,  Arkansas,  and  was  so  much  respected  by  its  citizens  for  his  integrity 
and  business  habits,  that,  although  an  officer  in  the  United  States  Army, 
he  was  elected  president  of  the  Bank  of  Arkansas,  which  office  he  well 
filled  for  a  year,  when  he  terminated  this  service  by  resignation.  The 
high  respect  in  which  he  was  held  by  the  civilians  of  the  country,  is  illus- 
trated by  the  proceedings  of  a  public  meeting  at  Little  Rock,  held  imme- 
ately  on  receipt  of  the  intelligence  of  his  death,  at  which  were  passed  the 
following  resolutions,  the  mayor  of  the  city  presiding : 

"  Resolved,  That  in  the  midst  of  the  rejoicings  occasioned  by  the  victories 

189 


190  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

achieved  by  the  Army  of  Occupation  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Taylor, 
we  grieve  for  the  loss  of  many  brave  officers  in  the  American  army,  and 
among  the  number  of  the  slain,  we  have  to  deplore  the  loss  of  Major  JACOB 
BROWN,  of.  the  Seventh  regiment  of  Infantry,  for  many  years  associated  and 
known  in  this  community  as  a  faithful,  honest,  and  efficient  public  officer. 

"Resolved,  That  our  sorrow  for  his  untimely  loss  to  the  army  and  to  the 
country,  is  consoled  by  the  manner  of  his  death,  in  the  service  of  his 
country,  by  the  hand  of  the  enemy,  on  the  field  of  battle,  and  in  the  hour 
of  victory. 

"  Resolved,  That  we  desire  in  this  public  and  solemn  manner  to  testify 
our  regard  arid  esteem  for  the  private  virtues  and  personal  worth  of  the 
deceased  soldier,  while  he  was  associated  with  us,  our  admiration  of  his 
public  services  in  peace  and  in  war,  and  our  deep  sense  of  the  crowning 
sacrifice  of  his  life,  that  endears  his  memory  to  his  countrymen. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  proceedings  of  this  meeting  be  signed  by  the  chair- 
man and  secretary,  and  that  the  papers  of  the  city,  and  throughout  the 
«tate,  be  requested  to  publish  them ;  and  that  a  copy  thereof  be  made  out 
by  the  secretary  of  this  meeting,  and  transmitted  to  the  family  of  the 
deceased."  • 

Major  Brown  left,  at  his  death,  a  wife  and  two  daughters,  to  mourn 
their  loss,  and  inherit  his  honorable  fame. 


MAJOR  SAMUEL  RINGGOLD, 

THIRD  ARTILLERY. 

THIS  distinguished  officer,  whose  death  cast  a  gloom  over  the  glorious 
events  of  a  victorious  battle  field,  was  a  native  of  Washington  Co.,  Mary- 
land. He  was  born  at  Front  Park,  near  Hagerstown.  Major  Ringgold 
was  the  son  of  Gen.  Samuel  Ringgold,  who  at  one  time  represented  tha 
state  of  Maryland  in  the  United  States  Senate.  He  was  educated  at  West 
Point,  at  which  place  he  graduated  with  the  highest  honors ;  after  which, 
he  visited  all  the  celebrated  military  schools  of  Europe  j  studied  at  the 
Poletechnique)  and  at  Woolwich,  and  took  advantage  of  every  other  facility 
afforded  in  Europe,  to  accomplish  himself  in  military  tactics,  particularly 
in  those  relating  to  artillery.  On  his  return  to  the  United  States,  he  dis- 
tinguished himself  for  his  persevering  efforts  to  have  created  an  efficient 
artillery  arm,  as  a  part  of  the  military  establishment  of  the  country.  No 
one  with  less  energy  of  character  than  Major  Ringgold  possessed,  would 
have  succeeded,  as  public  opinion  was  not  in  favor  of  it;  but  all  that  the 
gallant  Ringgold  promised  for  flying  artillery,  was  more  than  realised  at 
the  battle  of  Palo  Alto. 


MAJOR  SAMUEL  RINGGOLD.  191 


Major  Ringgold  eminently  possessed  the  power  to  infuse  among  his 
command  his  own  spirit,  and  to  impart  to  his  officers  his  extensive  know- 
ledge ;  in  illustration  of  which,  we  have  only  to  look  at  the  accomplished 
officers  he  has  left  to  assume  his  place.  The  press  of  the  whole  country 
testified  sorrow  at  his  glorious,  yet  melancholy  death :  where  he  was  most 
known,  he  was  most  honored.  With  Major  Brown  he  was  singularly 
popular,  while  among  the  civilians  of  the  country  he  found  hosts  of  enthu- 
siastic admirers.  Baltimore,  the  capital  of  his  native  slate,  particularly 
testified  its  sorrow  at  his  death,  most  of  the  inhabitants  knowing  him  per- 
sonally, from  his  long  occupation  of  Fort  McHenry. 

When  the  news  of  his  death  arrived  in  that  city,  it  caused  the  liveliest 
demonstrations  of  grief.  Col.  Da  vies  announced  it  to  a  meeting  of  thou- 
sands assembled  in  Monument  Square,  and  drawn  together  to  learn  the 
particulars  of  the  battle  of  the  8th.  The  instant  it  was  announced  that 
Ringgold  had  fallen,  every  head  was  uncovered,  a  silence  came  over  the 
vast  multitude.  This  was  a  fearfully  sublime  tribute  to  the  hero's  memory. 
On  the  following  day,  the  attorney  general  of  the  state,  with  some  touch- 
ingly  eloquent  lemarks,  announced  his  death  in  the  Baltimore  county  court. 
Motion  was  made  instantly  to  adjourn,  upon  which  the  Hon.  Judge  Le 
Grand  said — 

"  In  the  motion  of  the  attorney  general,  the  court  recognise  a  becoming 
appreciation  of  the  sad  feeling  which  the  announcement  of  the  death  of 
our  brave  townsman  has  inspired  in  the  bosoms  of  our  entire  community. 
It  is  fitting  that  the  court,  and  indeed  every  branch  of  the  government, 
should  exhibit  the  sincerest  evidences  of  the  affliction  which  all  have  sus- 
tained, in  the  death  of  one,  who  surrendered  his  life  in  the  defence  of  his 
country.  Custom  has  prescribed,  amongst  its  usually  cold  ceremonials,  the 
expression  of  grief  at  the  final  departure  of  any  distinguished  citizen ;  but 
when  the  resolute  and  noble  defender  of  the  honor  of  the  country  and  the 
integrity  of  its  soil,  is  swallowed  up  in  the  jaws  of  death,  whilst  in  the  act 
of  adding  by  his  daring  intrepidity  another  brilliant  page  to  its  history,  the 
patriotic  heart  properly  demands,  and  will  have,  the  tribute  which  the  just, 
and  the  grateful,  ever  promptly  pay  to  the  gallant  dead.  To  us,  all  this  is 
evident  by  the  gloom  which  is  everywhere  in  our  city ;  and  which,  the 
enunciation  of  a  succession  of  the  glorious  victories  of  our  arms,  cannot 
dispel.  The  court,  therefore,  can  have  no  difficulty  in  concurring  in  the 
motion,  responsive  as  is  that  concurrence  to  the  feelings  of  the  community 
and  of  its  own.  Major  Ringgold  was  a  citizen  of  Baltimore,  known  to  us 
all,  to  some  of  us  intimately,  and  by  whomsoever,  and  wheresover  known, 
recognised  as  a  gentleman  of  the  highest  sense  of  honor,  and  of  the  kind- 
liest feelings  of  which  humanity  is  susceptible.  He  is  gone,  but  the  fame 


192  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

his  late  brilliant  conduct  won,  will  henceforth  constitute  a  part  of  the  pride 
and  history  of  his  country.  Let  the  court  stand  adjourned  until  to-morrow 
morning  at  10  o'clock."  And  the  court  accordingly  adjourned. 

On  the  26th,  the  flags  of  the  city  and  the  shipping,  were  displayed  at 
half-mast,  enshrouded  in  crape. 

Upon  the  arrival  in  New  Orleans  of  the  military  costume  of  Major  Ring- 
gold,  a  great  sensation  was  created,  and  many  manly  tears  were  shed  over 
the  relics  of  the  honored  dead.  They  were  presented  by  the  friends  of 
the  deceased,  to  the  "Ringgold  Infantry"  of  Baltimore;  by  them,  to  be 
preserved  through  time,  as  the  most  precious  treasure  in  their  possession. 

The  necessary  measures  have  been  taken  to  have,  his  remains  removed 
from  the  desolate  barren  of  Point  Isabel,  to  be  buried  with  military  honors 
in  Baltimore.  Among  the  ceremonies  provided  for,  is,  "that  the  remains 
will  be  kept  in  the  Rotunda  for  a  few  days,  with  a  military  guard  of  honor 
constantly  present,  to  enable  companies  in  distant  portions  of  the  state, 
to  gratify  the  wishes  they  have  expressed,  to  participate  in  the  ceremonies ; 
and  the  time  fixed  for  the  funeral,  will  be  communicated  to  all  companies 
not  located  in  Baltimore,  upon  their  expressing  such  a  wish,  by  letter  ad- 
dressed to  the  Eagle  Artillery  Company,  who  are  charged  with  all  the 
details  of  the  funeral." 

Among  the  many  tributes  to  the  memory  of  Major  Ringgold,  that  have 
been  written  in  the  gush  of -feeling  occasioned  by  his  death,  the  following, 
from  a  southern  pen,  wrill  harmonise  with  the  feelings  of  all : 

SONNET. 

IN  MEMORY  OF  MAJOR  RINGGOLD. 

With  solemn  step  the  column  files  away; 

»  'Tis  done !  a  buried  hero  sleeps  below ; 

The  eye  is  dim  that  kindled  in  the  fray — 

The  hand  is  cold  that  dealt  a  freeman's  blow ! 
Sleep  sweetly,  soldier!  in  thy  narrow  bed  ! 

Rest  softly,  RINGGOLD  !  in  a  soldier's  grave  ! 

Bright  be  the  flow'rs  that  softly  o'er  thee  wave, 
And  green  the  turf  that  swells  above  thy  head ! 
No  braver  heart  than  thine  e'er  beat  beneath 

The  starry  banner's  proudly  glittering  wave; 
None  nobler  ever  won  the  glory  wreath; 

None  truer  consecrates  a  soldier's  grave  ! 
Then,  rest  thee !  on  thy  country's  southern  strand, 
HERO  !  of  daring  soul,  and  mighty  hand  ! 

VlCKSBURG.  J,  E.  C. 


CAPT.  PAGE  AND  LIEUT.  BLAKE.  193 

CAPT.  JOHN  PAGE, 

FOURTH  REGIMENT  OF  INFANTRY. 

CAPT.  PAGE  was  a  native  of  Maine ;  he  was  appointed  a  second  lieutenant 
of  the  Eighth  Infantry,  from  Massachusetts,  on  the  13th  of  February,  1818. 
He  was  breveted  1st  January,  1829,  and  received  his  commission  of  cap- 
tain the  30th  of  April,  1831. 

Capt.  Page  was  wounded  just  before  the  close  of  the  battle  of  the  8th, 
and  just  before  Major  Ringgold  fell,  at  the  time  the  enemy  concentrated 
all  their  fire  upon  Ringgold's  and  Col.  Churchill's  batteries,  the  gallant 
Fourth  supporting  them  at  the  time,  many  soldiers  of  which  fell  with  their 
captain.  A  cannon  ball  struck  down  Capt.  Page,  while  in  command  of 
his  division,  with  such  force  as  to  carry  with  him  the  three  men  next  be- 
hind him.  His  whole  lower  jaw  was  shot  away,  making  one  of  the  most 
ghastly  wounds  that  could  be  conceived  of.  He  was  conveyed  to  Point 
Isabel,  where  he  was  carefully  attended  to.  The  injuries  he  received  in 
his  trip  from  Point  Isabel  to  New  Orleans,  a  short  time  since,  did  much  to 
depress  the  sanguine  hopes  of  his  friends  for  his  final  recovery  j  but  having 
met  with  his  devoted  wife,  whose  efforts  to  reach  him  after  he  was  wound- 
ed, was  so  womanly,  and  so  often  frustrated  by  a  series  of  accidents,  it 
was  believed  he  wrould  recover.  Fate  ordered  it  otherwise,  and  he  sleeps 
with  Ringgold,  Brown,  and  others,  who  gave  up  their  lives  in  defending 
the  honor  of  the  arms  of  their  country. 

Capt.  Page  died  on  Monday  morning,  July  13th,  1846,  on  board  of  the 
steamer  Missouri,  while  on  his  way  to  Jefferson  Barracks ;  to  which  place 
his  remains  were  taken,  and  with  every  honor,  consigned  to  their  mother 
earth. 


LIEUT.  J.  E.  BLAKE, 

CORPS  OF  TOPOGRAPHICAL  ENGINEERS.  • 

LIEUT.  BLAKE,  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  a  graduate  of  West  Point, 
has  caused  his  memory  to  be  cherished  by  his  gallant  conduct  on  the  8th, 
and  the  melancholy  circumstances  of  his  death  created  a  sympathy  with 
every  officer  and  soldier  in  the  army.  Of  his  death,  Gen.  Worth,  in  writ- 
ing to  a  friend,  says,  "  You  will  probably  by  this  mail  hear  of  the  loss  of 
that  gallant  ornament  and  devoted  member  of  the  Topographical  Corps,  my 
warmly-cherished  friend.  Blake.  The  manner  adds  poignancy  to  our  sor- 
rows. Had  he  fallen  in  the  conflict,  in  which,  by  all  accounts,  he  had 
especially  distinguished  himself,  regrets  would  have  been  turned  into  envy. 
After  the  battle,  on  casting  aside  his  weapons,  one  of  his  pistols  accident- 

13 


194  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

ally  discharged,  and  gave  him  a  mortal  wound.  Knowing  and  valuing 
him  as  I  did,  you  will  readily  conceive  how  I  deplore  his  loss,  both  as  a* 
gallant  and  true-hearted  friend,  and  accomplished  comrade.  He  has  left 
no  better  soldier  behind." 

Capt.  James  Duncan,  Second  regiment  of  Artillery,  made  the  following 
report  to  the  commander  of  the  First  brigade,  relative  to  Lieut.  Blake's 
chivalrous  reconnoisance  on  the  day  previous  to  the  commencement  of  the 
battle  of  the  8th. 

CAMP  MATAMOROS,  MEXICO.  May  30,  1846. 

GENERAL  : — The  following  brief  account  of  the  daring  reconnoisance 
made  by  the  gallant  and  ill-fated  Blake,  at  Palo  Alto,  cannot  fail  to  be  in- 
teresting to  his  former  commander,  with  whom  he  was  so  long  associated, 
and  who  properly  estimated  and  appreciated  the  high  qualities  he  pos- 
sessed as  a  man  and  a  soldier. 

At  Palo  Alto  the  enemy's  line  was  formed  with  his  back  resting  on  the 
chaparral.  Partly  owing  to  the  bushes  in  which  some  of  his  troops  were 
posted,  but  chiefly  owing  to  our  distance  from  his  lines,  it  was  impossible 
to  ascertain,  with  the  necessary  certainty,  the  disposition  he  had  made  of 
his  different  arms. 

To  obtain  the  important  information,  Lieut.  J.  E.  Blake,  of  the  Topo- 
graphical Corps,  dashed  off  from  the  right  of  our  line  to  within  musket 
shot  of  the  enemy's  left.  Here  he  dismounted,  and  with  his  field  glass 
coolly  counted  the  number  of  men  in  one  of  the  enemy's  squadrons,  which, 
of  course,  enabled  him  accurately  to  estimate  the  enemy's  entire  cavalry 
force.  Lieut.  Blake  then  remounted  his  horse,  and  galloped  from  left  to 
right  of  the  enemy's  line,  stopping  from  time  to  time,  and  carefully  ob- 
serving the  formation  and  number  of  his  infantry,  as  well  as  the  position, 
number,  and  calibre  of  his  field  guns,  all  of  which  information  was  fully 
verified  by  the  subsequent  events  of  the  day. 

This  approprkte  act  of  personal  gallantry  was  certainly  unsurpassed  on 
either  of  our  glorious  days;  and,  in  my  own  estimation,  it  had  no  superior 
in  interest,  among  the  many  it  may  become  the  pleasing  task  for  history 
to  record. 

Very  respectfully,  I  have  the  honor  to  be.  your  obedient  servant, 

JAMES  DUNCAN, 
Capt.  Second  Artillery,  com'g.  Field  Artillery  First  Brigade. 

GEN.  WORTH, 

Commanding  First  Brigade. 

The  remains  of  Lieut.  Blake  were  consigned  to  the  silent  tomb,  by 


LIEUTENANTS  CHADBOURNE  AND  INGE.  195 

torch  light,  on  the  field  of  Palo  Alto,  on  the  evening  of  the  "  Ninth/'  near 
the  entrenchment  thrown  up  for  the  protection  of  the  train. 


Grave  of  Lieut.  Blake. 


LIEUT.  THEODORE  LINCOLN  CHADBOURNE, 

EIGHTH  REGIMENT  OF  INFANTRY. 

LIEUT.  CHA.DBOURNE,  who  was  killed  on  the  Resacade  la  Palma,  in  the 
deadly  charge  of  the  Eighth  regiment,  was  a  native  of  Eastport,  Maine. 
He  was  of  most  excellent  military  descent,  being  great-grandson  of  Major 
Gen.  Lincoln  of  the  Revolutionary  army.  He  met  his  death  long  before 
he  had  arrived  at  the  prime  of  manhood,  being  but  twenty-three  years 
of  age ;  yet  he  had  already  shown  traits  of  character  that  marked  him 
among  the  most  promising  of  the  young  officers  of  our  little  army.  He  is 
represented  to  have  been  a  model  of  manly  beauty,  possessing  a  mind  that 
harmonised  with  his  symmetry  of  person.  He  was  singularly  happy  in 
all  his  associations  with  his  brother  officers.  He  was  the  idol  of  the  do- 
mestic circle,  and  the  pride  of  his  parents.  His  death  carried  sorrow  into 
the  happiest  of  family  circles,  and  destroyed  well-cherished  hopes,  that 
built  bright  scenes  of  glory  for  the  warm-hearted  and  patriotic  soldier. 

Lieut.  Chadbourne  was  a  graduate  of  West  Point,  and  had  been  two 
years  in  the  army.  Upon  the  receipt  of  the  news  of  his  death,  at  Fort 
Niagara,  the  United  States  officers  there  stationed,  held  a  meeting,  ex- 
pressive of  their  sorrow  at  his  death,  and  of  their  admiration  of  him  as  a 
man  and  a  soldier. 

LIEUT.  Z.  M.  P.  INGE, 

SECOND  DRAGOONS. 

LIEUT.  Z.  M.  P.  INGE,  who  fell  at  the  head  of  his  command,  in  the  bril- 
liant charge  made  by  the  Second  Dragoons  on  the  enemy's  batteries,  in 


196  OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 


•i 

the  battle  of  the  9th,  was  a  native  of  Alabama.  He  graduated  at  West 
Point  in  the  year  1838,  and  immediately  after  entered  the  service  as  se- 
cond lieutenant  of  dragoons.  He  received  his  commission  of  first  lieute- 
nant February  1st,  1841.  Lieut.  Inge  is  spoken  of  by  his  brother  officers 
in  terms  of  the  greatest  affection,  and  was  greatly  beloved  for  the  quali- 
ties of  his  heart,  while  the  manner  of  his  death  ranks  him  among  the 
bravest  of  soldiers. 


LIEUT.  R.  E.  COCHRANE, 

FOURTH  INFANTRY. 

LIEUT.  COCHRANE,  who  fell  on  the  9th  from  a  charge  of  Mexican  ca- 
valry, was  appointed  to  the  army  from  the  state  of  Delaware.  He  was 
killed  beyond  Arista's  head  quarters,  being  among  the  advance  of  the 
troops.  No  soldier  ever  fell  more  gallantly.  His  loss  was  a  severe  blow 
to  his  regiment,  and  clouded  the  victory  that  rested  upon  their  arms. 
The  citizens  of  his  native  place  have  testified  their  admiration  of  his  vir- 
tues, by  having  taken  the  proper  measures  to  have  his  remains  removed 
from  the  banks  of  the  Rio  Grande/ to  rest  among  the  familiar  scenes  of 
his  childhood.  Lieut.  Cochrane  has  left  a  young  wife  to  mourn  his  loss; 
in  her  sorrow,  she  hears  the  praises  of  an  admiring  nation  for  the  memory- 
of  her  deceased  husband. 


LIST  OF  BOOKS 

LATELY  PUBLISHED 

BY  CAKEY  AND   HART, 

No.  126  CHESXUT  STREET, 

Philadelphia. 

THE  FLORAL  OFFERING; 

A    TOKEN    OF    FRIENDSHIP. 

Qfttitefo  bn  Frances  0.  (Dsgoofc, 

AUTHOR  OF  "  POETRT  OF  FLOWERS  AND  FLOWERS   OF  POETRY." 

Illustrated  with  Ten  elegantly  colored  Groups  of  Flowers. 

In  speaking  of  the  plates,  the  New  York  Tribune  says,  "  they  surpass  anything  of  the 
sort  which  has  yet  come  under  our  notice.  **********  The  results 
are  masterpieces  of  beauty  equaling  anything  done  in  any  country.  ******* 
The  plates  must  be  personally  seen  and  examined  to  be  fully  appreciated." 

Li  One  Volume,  Quarto.    Extra  Gilt  Edges. 


THE    DIADEM    FOK    1847, 

ll*ITH    T£7.V  EJYG  R  A  VI.VG  S, 

FROM:  PICTURES 
BY   LEUTZE,   SULLY,   GRAY,    MACLISE,  &c.  &c. 

One  Volume  Quarto.     Extra  Gilt  Edges. 


THE    POETICAL    WORKS 


OF 


WILLIAM    CULLEN   BRYANT 

ILLUSTRATED    BY 

Sixteen  Illustrations  from  Designs  b^  Centre. 

WITH  A  PORTRAIT  OF  THE  AUTHOR  BY  S.  W.  CHENEY. 

In  Om  Volume.  Svo.     Extra  Gilt  Edges. 


THE   EVERGREEN  FOR  1847, 

21  Jpreafltf  for  all  Seasons. 

EMBELLISHED  WITH 
TEN    ELEGANT    ENGRAVINGS, 

FROM  DESIGNS   BT 

SIR  D.  WILKIE,  CORBOULD,  MACLISE,  COOPER,  CHAPMAN, 

&c.  &c.  &c. 

In  One  Volume,  8vo.    Extra  Gilt  Edges, 


C  H  I  L  D  E    H  A  R  0  L  D'S 

PILGRIMAGE; 

A    ROMAUNT. 

BY  LORD  BYRON. 
A  New  Edition  with  all  the  Notes. 

EDITED  BY  THOMAS   MOORE. 

With  ^lebeu  XUustrgtfons  from  2§asffltts 

BY  CRESWICK,  WARREN,  AYLMER,  &c.  &c. 
An*  a  Portrait  of  LORD  BmOJT  in  hi»  Albanian  I>res*. 

In  One  Volume,  8vo.    Extra  Gilt  Edges. 


LONGFELLOW'S  POETICAL  WORKS. 

THIRD    EDITION. 

One  Volume  8vo.,  with  11  Illustrations  from  designs  by  D.  Huntington, 
and  a  Portrait  of  the  Author  by  S.  W.  Cheney.     Plates  engraved 

by  Cheney,  Humphreys,  Pease,  Dougal,  &c. 

"  This  is  the  very  luxury  of  literature — Longfellow's  charming  poems  pre- 
sented in  a  form  of  unsurpassed  beauty." — NeaFs  Gazette. 


MOORE'S   LALLA   ROOKH. 

ILLUSTRATED  BY  13  ENGRAVINGS  FROM  STEEL  PLATES. 
"How  much  more  impressive  must  be  its  perusal  from  the  magnificent  vo~ 
Jume  just  issued  by  Carey  &  Hart,  of  this  city,  in  'Annual'  style,  its  snowy 
leaves  printed  in  the  perfection  of  the  art,  and  the  matter  illustrated  by  masters 
of  the  pencil  and  graver." — Saturday  Courier. 
2 


SCENES  IN  THE 

ROCKY    MOUNTAINS, 

OREGON,    CALIFORNIA,    NEW    MEXICO,    TEXAS    AND 
GRAND    PRAIRIES: 

OR,  NOTES  BY  THE  WAY  DURING 

AN  EXCURSION  OF  THREE  YEARS : 

WITH  A  DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  COUNTRIES  PASSED  THROUGH. 

BY  A  NEW  ENGLANDER. 

Complete  in  One  Vol.  I2mo.     300  Pages. 

Price  50  Gents, 

"  From  a  perusal  of  its  contents,  we  can  assure  the  reading  public  that  the  work  in 
question  is  replete  with  useful  information,  and  is  worthy  of  especial  attention  at  this 
time." — MidcUetown  Constitution. 

"This  book,  coming  just  now,  when  the  countries  it  describes  occupy  so  large  a  share 
of  the  public  attentiou,  is  exceedingly  opportune,  though  its  graphic  delineations  of  life  in 

the  wilderness  would  render  it  welcome  at  any  time The 

rude  simplicity  of  the  voyageur,  and  the  generous  bluffness  of  the  mountaineer,  who  make 
the  dangerous  passages  of  the  vast  prairies  as  trappers  and  traders,  are  well  developed, 
and  a  variety  of  veritable  '  accidents  by  flood  and  field,'  adventures  with  Indians,  &c., 
give  one  a  better  idea  of  what  such  an  excursion  realJy  is,  than  volumes  of  ponderous 
relation 

"The  author  also  joined  the  Texan  expedition  sent  against  Xew  Mexico  in  the  Spring 
of  1843,  and  presents  us  here  with  the  only  published  accounts  of  its  mishaps  and  con- 
flicts with  the  Mexicans  and  Indians,  prior  to  its  surrender  to  the  U.  S.  Dragoons,  which 
caused  its  final  dispersion. 

•'  In  conclusion,  the  book  is  an  amusing  and  well  written  performance,  and  worthy  of 
perusal  by  all  classes;  and  the  useful  advice  offered  to  persons  intending  to  emigrate 
thither,  will  be  found  all  important."—  JV.  Y.  Evening  Mirror. 

"  This  work  is  one  of  peculiar  interest  to  the  reading  public,  and  cannot  fail  to  be  sought 
after  with  great  avidity,  at  the  present  time.  ********* 

"The  value  of  the  work  in  question,  is  greatly  increased  by  the  vast  fund  of  materials 
contained  in  it  that  have  been  never  before  produced  by  any  other  writer, — materials  which 
render  its  subject-matter  pleasingly  varied  and  strangely  interesting." — Middlttown  Sen- 
tinel. 


%*  ALSO  A  FINE  EDITION,  bound  in  Cloth,  Gilt,  WITH  A 
FOLIO  MAP  OF  OREGON,  TEXAS  AND  MEXICO,  drawn 
expressly  to  accompany  this  work. 

Price  $1  00. 


OUR  ARMY  ON  THE  RIO  GRANDE. 

CONTAINING  AN  ACCOUNT  OF  THE 

of  tl)c  2lnng  of  ©attpatton  from  Corpus  (!Il}ri0ti 
to  t()e  llio  (Branic, 

WITH  THE  PARTICULARS  OF 

The  Erection  of  Fort  Brown,  and  the  Bombardment, 

ALSO  ELABORATE  DESCRIPTIONS  OF  THE 

BATTLES    OF    PALO   ALTO   &    RESACA   DE   LA  PALMA 
On  the  8th  and  9th  of  May, 

AND  THE  SURRENDER  OF  MATAMORAS 

TOGETHER  WITH 

DESCRIPTIONS  OF  THE  CITY  AND  SURROUNDING  COUNTRY,  &c., 

THE  WHOLE  ILLUSTRATED   BT  TWENTY-SIX  ENGRAVINGS  DRAWN  FROM 

NATURE,  OF  THE  PRINCIPAL  SCENES  TREATED  OF  IN  THE  BOOK, 

TAKEN  ON  THE  SPOT. 

RY    T.    B.   THORPE, 

Author  of  "  Tom  Owen,  the  Bee  Hunter,"  "  Mysteries  of  the  Backwoods,"  &c. 
In  One  Volume,  about  200  pages,  Paper  Covers,  50  cents. 

*  #*  ALSO  AN  EDITION  ON  FINE  PAPER, 

With  Reports  of  Battles.  Official  Papers,  <fcc. 

300  Pages,  \6rno.  Cloth  Gilt  $1  00,  or  Paper  Covers  75  cents. 


THE  LOG  OF  A  PRIVATEERSMAN 

A    HUNDRED    YEARS    AGO. 

BY  CAPTAIN  MARRYAT,  R.  N. 

AUTHOR  OF  "  PETER  SIMPLE,"  "  PERCIVAL  KEENE,"  &C.  &C. 

COMPLETE  IN  TWO  PARTS. 

Price  25  Cents. 
"  An  excellent  tale."— Pittsburg  Daily  Chronicle. 


CHRONICLES  OF   THE   FLEET, 

BY  A  PERIPATICIAN. 

CONTAINING 

THE    RUINED    MERCHANT, 
AND    THE    TURNKEY'S    DAUGHTER. 

Complete.     Price  12}  Cents. 


CAREY  AND   HART'S 
LIBRARY  FOR   THE   PEOPLE, 

On  Clear  Type  and  Fine  White  Paper. 

Nos.  1,  2,  3,  4  and  5,  Now  Ready. 
JYo.  1. 

THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  BASTILE, 

AND  OF  ITS  PRINCIPAL  CAPTIVES. 

BY  R.  A.  DAVENPORT, 

COMPLETE   IN   ONE   VOLUME. 

Price  50  Cents. 

"We  can  recommend  it  as  a  production  of  a  very  uncommon  order  of  merit  ;  enter- 
taining, interesting  and  valuable  as  illustrating  an  important  portion  of  the  History  of 
France  ;  our  only  wonder  is,  that  it  now  appears  for  the  first  lime  in  America."—  United 
States  Gazette. 

••  It  comprises  a  hundred  romances  of  real  life,  tragedies  of  the  most  touching  kind,  with 
the  pathos  of  poetry  and  the  truth  of  history.  Sucli  books  are  always  popular.  In  Eng- 
land this  has  had  an  extraordinary  run,  and  it  will  be  eagerly  sought  here  by  all  classes 
of  readers."  —  Daily  Chronicle. 

"  It  forms  a  valuable  addition  to  the  stock  of  historical  literature,  and  cannot  fail  to  ob- 
tain the  popularity  here  which  it  has  acquired  in  England."  —  Pennsylvania  Inquirer. 


0s.  2  and  3. 

ACHIEVEMENTS  OF   THE 

SKIN  Q@  iHITi    ©IF    MALTA,, 

BY  ALEXANDER  SUTHERLAND, 

Author  of  "  Tales  of  a  Pilgrim,"  &c. 

COMPLETE   IN   TWO   VOLUMES. 

Price  50  Cents,  each. 

"  When  we  tell  the  reader  that  this  history  reads  as  pleasantly  as  a  romance,  and  is 
quite  as  true  as  history  need  be,  why  trouble  him  with  farther  opinions!"—  Southern  Pa- 
triot. 

"  Byron'l  celebrated  remark,  that  'truth  is  stranger  than  fiction,'  is  admirably  illustrated 
in  these  volumes  ;  for,  not  in  the  most  highly  wrought  pages  of  romance,  —  not  even  in  the 
wonderful  tale  of  '  Irem.'ioe,'  do  we  meet  with  adventure  and  exploit  of  a  more  romantic 
and  sublime  character  than  those  with  which  the  history  of  these  '  Knights  of  Malta  '  U 
filled  to  overflowing."  —  Saturday  Courier. 

5 


THE  PEOPLE'S  LIBRARY—  Continued. 

"  This  work  fills  a  void  in  history.  From  various  sources  the  author  has  derived  his 
material,  rejecting  statements  of  the  old  chronicles  founded  on  mere  surmise,  and  array- 
ing facts,  many  of  them  "•  stranger  than  fiction,"  in  an  imposing  light 

"  After  the  fall  of  Acre,  the  Order  took  refuge  in  Cyprus,  and  subsequently  establishing 
their  strong  hold  on  the  island  of  Malta,  became  known,  in  modern  times,  as  the  Knights 
of  Malta.  These  formidable  warriors  were  well  termed  the  sword  and  buckler  of  Christ- 
endom. While  monarchs  trembled  in  their  capitols,  scared  by  the  dreadful  war-shout  of 
Oriental  invasion,  they  rallied  for  the  encounter.  The  Crescent  waned  before  their 
'  White  Cross  on  a  red  field.'  Like  wave  succeeding  wave,  fleet  followed  fleet  to  storm 
their  fortress,  and  from  the  little  sea-girt  rock  on  which  it  was  planted,  recoiled  shattered 
and  discomfited.  For  seven  centuries  they  kept  at  bay  the  children  of  the  Prophet;  and 
the  highest  aspiration  of  Princes  was  to  enjoy  a  place  in  their  councils,  and  take  part  in 
their  achievements • 

"  Power  has  departed  from  this  illustrious  institution,  and  the  days  of  chivalry  are  gone, 
but  a  dullard  alone  would  turn  from  the  magic  page  that  tells  of  Palestine  and  the  Cru- 
sader—of  Rhodes  and  its  Dragon— of  Malta  and  its  thousand  conflicts.  A  faithful  historical 
record  of  an  illustrious  order,  blending  knightly  daring  with  religious  zeal,  that  checked 
the  progress  of  Mohammedan  arms  by  their  prowess,  when  Europe  was  feeble  and  de- 
fenceless, should  be  welcomed  by  the  reading  world."— Rochester  Daily  American. 

"In  these  volumes  will  be  found  chronicled,  some  of  the  most  brilliant  feats  that  deco- 
rate military  annals."-- N.  O.  Commercial  Times. 

"They  embrace  one  of  the  most  interesting  and  romantic  chronicles  extant,  and  teem 
with  the  records  of  knightly  daring  and  pious  zeal.  The  Chevaliers  of  Malta  were  for 
centuries  the  great  bulwark  of  Christendom  against  the  incursions  of  Mahometan  ferocity, 
and  every  incident  connected  with  their  courageous  achievements  is  fraught  with  an  in- 
terest at  once  peculiar  and  highly  wrought."— N.  0.  Tropic. 


Wo.  4. 

HISTORY  OF  THE  CONQUEST  OF  PERU 

BY    THE   SPANIARDS. 

BY  DON  TELESFORO  DE  TRUEBA  Y  COSIO. 

Author  of  "  Life  of  Hernan  Cortez,"  &c. 

COMPLETE  IN  ONE  VOLUME. 

Price  50  Cents. 

"  Any  work  connected  with  the  conquest  and  early  history  of  any  portion  of  pur  Conti- 
nent cannot  but  possess  high  claim  to  attention  ;  and  this  work  has  peculiar  claims,  as,  in 
addition  to  the  details  which  are  authentic,  it  is  written  in  a  very  agreeable  style.  The 
book  unites  the  interest  of  romance  with  the  truth  of  history;  and  is  further  commended 
to  the  reader  by  good  paper  and  clear  type." — Baltimore  American. 


.  5. 

THE 

LIFE    OF    A  D  D  I  S  0  N, 

BY  MISS  AIKIN. 

FROM  THE  LAST  LONDON  EDITION. 

Two  Volumes  Complete  in  One,    280  Pages, 

Price  50  Cents. 


GUIDE 


FOR 

WORKERS  IN  METALS  AND  STONE. 

CONSISTING  OF 

DESIGNS  AND  PATTERNS  FOR  GATES,  PIERS,  BALCONY  AND 
CEMETERY  RAILING,  WINDOW  GUARDS,  BALUSTRADES  FOR 
STAIRCASES,  VERANDAHS,  FANLIGHTS,  LAMPS  AND  LAMP. 
POSTS,  PALISADES,  MONUMENTS,  MANTELS,  GAS-FIT- 
TINGS, STOVES,  STANDS,  CANDLESTICKS,  SILVER  AND 
PLATED  WARE,  CHANDELIERS,  CANDELABRAS,  POTTER'S 
WARE,  &c.  &c.  &c. 

With  various  useful  ornaments  at  large,  selected  and  composed 

BY  THOMAS  U.  WALTER,  Architect  of  G-irard  College,  and 
J.  JAY  SMITH,  Librarian  of  the  Philadelphia  Library. 

To  be  completed  in  four  parts  quarto.    Part  one  now  ready, 
Price  $3  50. 

This  work  will  be  found  to  be  useful  if  not  indispensable,  to  all  workers 
in  METALS  AND  IN  STONE,  and  is  intended  to  supply  a  well  known 
deficiency  in  this  department  of  our  arts.  It  will  be  useful  to  ARCHI- 
TECTS AND  DESIGNERS,  SILVER  AND  GOLDSMITHS,  BLACK 
AND  WHITESMITHS,  BRASS  FOUNDERS,  IRON  MASTERS,  GAS 
FITTERS,  PLUMBERS,  AND  STOVE  AND  FURNACE  MANU- 
FACTURERS, PATTERN  MAKERS,  MARBLE  MASONS,  STUCCO 
WORKERS,  CARVERS,  ORNAMENTAL  WORKERS  IN  WOOD,  &c. 


TWO  HUNDRED  DESIGNS 

FOR  COTTAGES  AND  VILLAS,  &G.  &C, 

ORIGINAL    AND    SELECTED. 

BY  THOMAS  U.  WALTER,  Architect  of  Girard  College,  and 

J.  JAY  SMITH,  Librarian  of  the  Philadelphia  Library. 

To  be  completed  in  four  parts  quarto.     Part  one  now  ready, 

Price  $2  5O. 

"The  value  of  the  work  may  be  estimated  at  once,  when  we  state  that 
it  is  the  joint  production  of  Thomas  U.  Waller,  Esq.,  and  J.  Jay  Smith, 
Esq.,  gentlemen  intimately  conversant  with  the  subject 

'•The  necessity  of  proper  plans  is  becoming  daily  more  apparent,  and 
Messrs,  Walter  and  Smith  have  answered  a  good  purpose  in  setting  forth 
designs  adapted  to  our  own  wants,  and  with  careful  reference  to  the  char- 
acteristics of  our  climate." — U.  S.  Gazette. 

7 


JUST  PUBLISHED, 

THE  NEW  TIMON; 

A    POETICAL    ROMANCE   OF    LONDON. 

"One  of  the  most  remarkable  poems  of  the  present  generation.  It  augurs  a  resuscita- 
tion of  our  Bardic  glories." — Sun. 

"  This  is  truly  a  magnificent  poem.  It  will  bear  comparison  with  any  of  the  poetic 
tales  of  Byron." — HooiPs  Magazine. 

"The  New  Timon  is  a  composition  which  displays  both  beauty  and  power.  It  belongs 
to  the  school  of  Crabbe."— Lit.  Gaz. 


In  One  Volume,  8vo.,  Illustrated. 

THE  POETS  AND  POETRY  OF  ENGLAND. 

BY  RUFUS  W.  GRISWOLD. 
Third  Edition,  Price  $3  5O,  Cloth  Gilt. 

"The  contents  of  this  book  are  among  the  most  precious  that  have  ever  been  enclosed 
in  any  secular  volume." — N.  Y.  Morning  News. 


In  One  Volume,  8vo.,  Illustrated. 

THE  POETS  AND  POETRY  OF  AMERICA. 

BY  RUFUS  W.  GRISWOLD. 

SEVENTH  EDITION.    Price  $3  00. 

"  The  largest  and  certainly  the  best  collection  of  American  poetry  that  has  ever  been 
made." 


One  Volume,  8vo. 

THE  POETS  AND  POETRY  OF  EUROPE. 

BY  HENRY  W.  LONGFELLOW. 
SECOND  EDITION.    Cloth  Extra.    Price  $5  00. 

a  Sportraft  of  Sc&fUet  anti  Hnjjrabctr  Kftle 


"It  is  the  most  complete  work  of  the  kind  in  English  literature."—  Boston  Courier. 
"  A  more  desirable  work  for  the  scholar  or  man  ol  taste  has  scarcely  ever  been  issued 
in  the  United  Slates.""—  2V.  Y.  Tribune. 


CAEEY  AND  HART'S  LIBRARY  OF  HUMOROUS  AMERICAN  WORKS, 
WITH  ILLUSTRATIONS  BY  BARLEY, 

Vol.  I.— Price  50  Cents. 

THEATEICAL  APPRENTICESHIP 

AND 

ANECDOTAL  RECOLLECTIONS  OF  SOL,  SMITH,  ESQ., 

COMEDIAN,  LAWTEB,  &c.  &c. 
WITH  EIGHT  ORIGINAL  DESIGNS. 

"  A  very  whimsical  apprenticeship  it  is,  making  it  impossible  to  preserve,  while  read- 
ing it,  the  slightest  approach  to  gravity.  Indeed,  we  have  seldom  met  with  a  book  so  irre- 
sistibly provocative  of  a  perpetual  'broad  grin.'  It  is  as  good  as  a  play,  and  a  play  of  the 
richest  comedy." — Jeffersonian. 


Vol.  II.— Price  50  Cents. 

PICKINGS 
FROM  THE  PORTFOLIO  OF  THE  REPORTER 

OF  THE 

NEW  ORLEANS   "PICAYUNE." 

WITH  8  HUMOROUS  DESIGNS. 

"Any  one  of  these  sketches  will  make  you  laugh,  even  if  you  never  laughed  before' 
but  the  Lapidary  is  a  saw  to  make  you  burst  your  sides." — Planters  Banner. 


Vol.  III.— Price  50  Cents. 

MY    SHOOTING-BOX. 

BY  FRANK.  FORESTER. 

•  It  is  a  funny  work,  filled  with  incidents  that  will  make  people  laugh." 


Vol.  IV.— Price  50  Cents. 

AUNT  PATTY'S  SCRAP  BAG, 

BY    CAROLINE    LEE    HENTZ, 

AUTHOR  OF  THE  "  MOB  CAP,"  &c. 
WITH    DESIGNS    BY    DARLEY. 

"  The  designs  are  full  of  humor,  and  the  work  a  very  agreeable  one."— Pittsburg  Daily 
Chronicle. 

9 


Vol.  V.— Price  50  Cents. 

A  QUARTER  RACE  IN  KENTUCKY, 

AND  OTHER  STORIES. 

BY  W.  T.  PORTER,  ESQ., 

EDITOR  OF  THE  "BiG  BEAU  OF  ARKANSAS,"  &c.  &c. 


Vol.  VI.— Price  50  Cents. 


MAJOR  JONES'  COURTSHIP. 

SIXTH  EDITION. 

WITH  12  HUMOROUS  PLATES. 


Vol.  VII.— Price  50  Cents. 

STREAKS  OF  SQUATTER  LIFE 

AND  FAR  WEST  SCENES. 

A  SERIES  OF  HUMOROUS  SKETCHES  DESCRIPTIVE  OF  INCI- 
DENTS AND  CHARACTER  IN  THE  WILD  WEST,  TO 
WHICH  ARE  ADDED  OTHER  MISCELLA- 
NEOUS PIECES. 

BY  "SOLITAIRE." 
(JOHN  S.  ROBB,  OF  ST.  Louis,  Mo.) 

Author  of"  Swallowing  Oysters  Alive." 
WITH  8  HUMOROUS  ILLUSTRATIONS  BY  DARLEY. 


Vol.  VIII.  &  IX.— Price  50  Cents  each. 

MODERN   CHIVALRY, 

OR  ADVENTURES   OF 

CAPT.  FARRAGO  &  TEAGUE  O'REGAN. 

WITH  ILLUSTRATIONS  BY  DARLEY. 
10 


ADVENTURES  OF 

CAPT,  SIMON  SUGGS, 

LATE  OF  THE  TALAPOOSA  VOLUNTEERS. 

TOGETHER  WITH 

TAKING  THE  CENSUS, 

AND    OTHER    ALABAMA   SKETCHES. 

BY    A   COUNTRY    EDITOR. 

With  a  Portrait  of"  Simon7'  from  Life,  and  of  her  Illus- 
trations by  Darley. 
CONTENTS: 

Introduction;  Simon  Plays  the  "  Snatch"  Game;  Simon  gets  a  "  Soft  Snap"  out 
of  his  Daddy;  Simon  Speculates;  Simon  starts  forth  to  Fight  the  "  Tiger," 
and  falls  in  with,  a  Candidate  whom  he  "does"  to  a  Cracklin;  Simon  Fights 
"  the  Tiger"  and  gets  Whipped,  but  comes  out  not  much  the  "  worse  for 
wear;"  Simon  Speculates  again;  Simon  becomes  Captain;  Capt.  Suggs  and 
Lieutenant  Snipes  "  Court-martial"  Mrs.  Haycock;  The  "  Tallapoosay  Vollan- 
tares"  meet  the  Enemy;  The  Captain  attends  a  Camp-meeting;  The  Captain 
is  arraigned  before  "  a  Jury  of  his  Country;"  Conclusion — Autographic  Letter 
from  Suggs;  Taking  the  Census,  parts  first  and  second;  Daddy  Bigg's  Scrape 
at  Cockerell's  Bend. 


PRICE    FIFTY    CENTS. 

PETER   PLODDY 

AND 

OTHER  ODDITIES. 

BY    JOSEPH    C.    NEAL, 

Author  of  "  Charcoal  Sketches." 

With  10  Illustrations  from   Original  Designs  by  Darley. 
CONTENTS: 

Peter  Ploddy's  Dream;  The  Black  Maria;  Slyder  Downehylle;  Highdays  and 
Holydays;  The  Newsboy;  Gossip  about  Gossiping;  Shiverton  Shakes';  The 
Boys  that  run  with  the  Engine;  Jack  Spratte's  Revenge;  Corner  Loungers. 


HJRR  *»  X  ORRE  Q  HER*  S  WE  W  WORK. 


Entjgljt  of 


A  TALE  OF  THE  TIME  OF   THE  UNION. 

BY  CHARLES  LEVER. 
Author  of"  Charles  O'Malley,  &c.  &c. 

ILLUSTRATED  BY  PHIZ. 

11 


Complete  in  One  Volume,  Cloth  Gilt,  Price  $1  25. 

MISCELLANEOUS    SERMONS, 

BY   THE 

REV.    SYDNEY   SMITH,  A.M. 

"This  is  a  delightful  volume  for  thought  and  language.  The  style  is  like,  yet  unlike, 
that  of  the  reverend  editor's  reviews  and  political  essays.  It  has  the  same  general  con- 
struction— long  sentences,  yet  never  involved,  simple  in  parts,  weighty  as  a  whole,  and 

of  a  diction  singularly  firm  and  pure But  no  one  can  go  amiss  in  buying  the  book." 

American  Review. 

"  They  are  among  the  soundest,  the  best,  the  most  practical,  and  the  most  useful  sermons 
that  have  seen  the  light  during  the  present  century." — New  York  Mirror. 

"  The  sermons  are  written,  not  like  many,  obscurely  and  in  involved  sentences,  but  in  a 
pungent,  clear  and  forcible  style,  with  little  illustration.  He  is  a  plain,  direct  writer,  and 
that  faculty,  unaided  by  artificial  striving  for  effect,  has,  doubtless,  been  the  secret  of  his 
wide-spread  popularity." — Merchants'*  Magazine. 


From  the  Second  London  Edition,  in  One  Volume  Octavo,  Cloth. 

NOTES  OF  A  TRAVELLER 


SOCIAL   AND   POLITICAL   STATE  OF  FRANCE,  PRUSSIA,  SWITZER- 
LAND, ITALY  AND  OTHER  PARTS  OF  EUROPE 
DURING  THE  PRESENT  CENTURY. 

BY  SAMUEL   LAING, 

AUTHOR  OF   cc  JOURNAL  OF  A  RESIDENCE  IN  NORWAY,"    AND  OF   "  A  TOUR  IN 
SWEDEN." 

H  We  cannot  refrain  from  commending  his  work  to  the  careful  perusal  of  the  reading 
community,  as  one  suggesting  many  valuable  ideas,  and  containing  much  curious  infor- 
mation."—  N.  Y.  Mirror. 

"  This  volume  abounds  with  information,  much  of  it  of  a  statistical  character,  and  it  is 
indeed  replete  with  interest  and  instruction."—  Pennsylvania  Inquirer. 

"This  Book  has  been  loudly  called  for  in  this  country,  and  many  gentlemen  have  sent 
to  England  for  copies.  Those  who  would  read  the  remarks  of  a  man  of  education  and 
observation,  upon  the  sound  moral  situation  of  a  considerable  portion  of  Europe,  should 
read  this  book." — U.  S.  Gazette. 

"  Undeniably  an  instructive  writer." — N.  Y.  Commercial  Advertiser. 


Volume  1st,  Complete. — Price  $1  00.    Extra  Gilt  Sacks. 

THE  CONSULATE  AND  THE   EMPIRE 

y  INI  OIK.  [NlA[p©!LH©Mo 

BY  M.  A.  THIERS. 

"It  is  a  most  remarkable  production,  original  to  the  highest  degree,  and  furnishes  by 
far  the  most  accurate  and  extensive  data  on  which  to  base  just  philosophical  views  of 
the  French  Revolution,  with  which  we  have  been  yet  furnished  from  any  quarter." 

N.  Y.  Herald. 


THE    MODERN    BRITISH    ESSAYISTS. 

Of  this  series  the  following  have  already  been  published: 

Volume   l.-MACAULAY. 

CRITICAL  AND  MISCELLANEOUS  WRITINGS  OF 
THOMAS  BABINGTON  MACAULAY. 

In  One  Volume,  with  a  finely  engraved  Portrait  from  an  original  Picture 

By  Henry  Inman. 

"  While  it  can  easily  be  demonstrated  that  Macaulay's  writings  contain  a  hun- 
dred-fold more  matter  and  thought  than  an  equal  number  of  volumes  taken  from 
what  are  called,  par  eminence,  the  'British  Essayists,'  it  is  not  broaching  any 
literary  heresy  to  predict  that  they  will  sail  as  far  down  the  stream  of  time  aa 
those  eminent  members  of  the  illustrious  family  of  British  classics." 

Volume   XL-ARCHIBALD    ALISON. 

THE  CRITICAL  AND  MISCELLANEOUS  WRITINGS  OF 
ARCHIBALD  ALISON, 

AUTHOR  OP  "THE  HISTORY  OF  EUROPE." 
In  One  Volume,  Svo.,  with  a  Portrait.   Price  $1  25. 

" These  essays  have  already  had  immense  circulation  in  Europe,  and  are  every  way 
worthy  of  their  accomplished  author.  Some  very  able  sketches  of  the  principal  men  who 
adorn  the  page  of  history,  as  warriors,  statesmen,  poets,  painters,  &c.  &.C.,  are  to  be  found 
in  this  volume,  given  in  that  clear,  and  true  style  which  has  won  for  Mr.  Alison  the  repu- 
tation of  one  of  the  best  writers  of  the  age.  His  views  of  society,  the  influence  on  it  of 
men  and  remarkable  incidents,  are  well  reasoned  and  philosophic.  We  commend  it 
heartily  to  our  friends." — Southern  Advertiser. 

Volume  III.-SYDXEY    SMITH. 

THE  WORKS  OF  THE  REV.  SYDNEY  SMITH. 

Fine  Edition.    In  One  Volume  8vo.,  with  a  Portrait.    Price  $1. 
"  The  charm  of  his  writings  is  somewhat  similar  to  that  of  '  Montaigne'  or 
f  Charles  Lamb.'  " — North  American  Review. 

Volume   IV.— PROFESSOR   WILSON. 

THE  RECREATIONS  OF  CHRISTOPHER  NORTH. 

In  One  Volume  8vo.,  with  a  Portrait.    Price  $1. 

Extract  from  Hoivitt's  '•'•E.ural  Life.'1'1 

"And  not  less  that  wonderful  series  of  articles,  by  Wilson,  in  Blackwood's 
Magazine — in  their  kind  as  truly  amazing  and  as  truly  glorious  as  the  romances 
of  Scott  or  the  poetry  of  Wordsworth.  Far  and  wide  and  much  as  these  papers 
have  been  admired,  wherever  the  English  language  is  read,  I  still  question  whe- 
ther any  one  man  has  a  just  idea  of  them  as  a  whole." 

Volume   V.— THOMAS   CARLYLE. 

THE  CRITICAL  WRITINGS  OF  THOMAS  CARLYLE. 

With  a  finely  engraved  Portrait.    In  One  Volume,  Svo.    Price  §1  75. 

"There  is  no  writer  of  the  age  who  has  exercised  a  greater  influence  upon 
the  thinking  minds  of  the  age  than  Mr.  Carlyle." — Jeffersonian. 

"Carlyle  may  be  profitably  studied  and  enjoyed  by  the  man  in  all  situations — by  the 
statesman  and  the  philosopher,  the  father  and  the  simple  citizen.  He  is  a  writer,  indeed, 
for  manhood  in  its  brightest  and  most  responsible  characteristics." — Charleston  Daily 
Transcript. 

"A  perfect  library  cannot  be  formed  wkhout  this  volume." — N.  0.  Commercial  Times. 

13 


Volume  VI.— LORD   JEFFREY. 

CONTRIBUTIONS  TO  THE  EDINBURGH  REVIEW. 

BY  FRANCIS  JEFFREY. 

In  One  Volume,  8vo.    Price  $2. 

"  There  are,  however,  but  two  persons  who  stand  so  prominently  before  the 
world,  that  they  deserve  to  be  set  for  comparison  with  Jeffrey:  they,  of  course, 
are  Carlyle  and  Macaulay." — New  York  Evening  Mirror. 

"  Lord  Jeffrey  is  perhaps  the  first  critic  and  the  best  judge  of  poetry  of  the  present  age ; 
possessing  an  intellect  of  the  highest  order,  and  deeply  acquainted  with  literature  and  the 

systems  of  metaphysical  philosophy During  the  first  twenty-five  years 

of  this  century  he  was  a  literary  despot;  and  his  judgment  on  authors  was  looked  for  with 
the  anxiety  which  attends  that  of  a  court  of  the  last  resort." — Baltimore  American. 

"Interesting  and  acceptable  as  are  the  familiar  publications  of  Scott,  Macaulay,  of  Wil- 
son, Carlyle  and  others,  and  indispensable  as  they  may  justly  be  deemed  to  every  library, 
public  or  private,  of  respectable  pretensions,  this  of  Lord  Jeffrey  will  assuredly  take  the 
precedence  of  all,  not  on  account  of  his  superiority  as  a  writer,  which  few  will  admit,  but 
on  account  of  the  more  popular  character  of  its  varied  contents,  and  of  his  unqualified 

abilities  and  judgment  as  a  critic  and  reviewer It  contains  no  less 

than  one  hundred  articles  upon  General  Literature  and  Literary  Biography,  History  and 
Historical  Memoirs,  Poetry,  Novels,  Tales,  and  Prose  Works  of  Fiction,  General  Politics, 
and  a  large  number  "  Miscellaneous,"  but  all  of  much  and  general  interest,  and  highly 
instructive  in  their  tendencies  and  design." — Germantown  Telegraph. 


Volume  VII.— TALFOURD   AND    STEPHEN. 

CRITICAL   WRITINGS    OF 

T.  NOON  TALFOURD  AND  JAMES  STEPHEN. 

In  One  Volume,  8vo.    Price  $1  25. 

"  His  (Talfourd's)  critical  writings  manifest  in  every  page  a  sincere,  earnest,  and  sym- 
pathizing love  of  intellectual  excellence  and  moral  beauty.  The  kindliness  of  temper  and 
tenderness  of  sentiment  with  which  they  are  animated  are  continually  suggesting  pleasant 
thoughts  of  the  author." — North  American  Review. 

"Mr.  Talfourd  is  far  more  extensively  known  as  the  author  of  "  Ion,"  than 
as  a  reviewer,  at  least  in  this  country,  where  the  new  monthly  in  which  most 
of  his  essays  appeared,  has  never  been  republished.  His  portion  of  the  present 
volume,  will  therefore,  superadd  the  attraction  of  novelty  to  the  merits  of  com- 
position."— N.  Y.  Mirror. 

"  Those  on  the  Port  Royalists,  Ignatius  Loyola  and  the  like,  are  a  treasure 
to  the  general  reader,  and  will  long  continue  to  be  sought  with  the  same  interest 
as  they  were  upon  their  first  appearance." — New  York  Tribune. 

"  Mr.  James  Stephen  who  occupies  the  other  half  of  this  volume,  is  one  o 
the  giants  of  the  Edinburgh  Quarterly,  scarcely  less  distinguished  than  the  emi- 
nent writer  (Talfourd),  whose  works  we  have  just  alluded  to." — Pennsylvanian. 

f(  It  is  praise  enough  to  write  that  some  of  his  (Stephen's)  papers,  especially 
that  entitled  Ignatius  Loyola  and  his  Associates,  have  been  attributed  to  Ma- 
caulay."— N.  Y.  Mirror. 

14 


Volume   VIII.— SIR   JAMES   MACKINTOSH. 

THE    MISCELLANEOUS   WORKS   OF 

THE  RIGHT  HON.  SIR  JAMES  MACKINTOSH 

EDITED  BY  HIS  SON. 

Complete  in  One  Volume,  Cloth  Gilt,  $1  75. 

JUST   READY. 


THIERRY'S    HISTORICAL    ESSAYS. 


HISTORICAL  ESSAYS  AND  NARRATIVES  OF  THE 
MEROVINGIAN   ERA. 

BY  AUGUSTIN  THIERRY. 
Complete  in  One  Volume  8vo.     Price  $1  25. 

"One  of  the  most  charming  works  which  the  country  has  given  to  the  world." 
— The  Harbinger. 

11  Thierry  was  the  founder  and  is  the  head  of  the  French  school  of  historians." 
-  N.  American. 


Complete  in  One  Volume  I6mo.     Price  $1  00. 

SPECIMENS  OF  THE  BRITISH  CRITICS. 

BY  CHRISTOPHER  NORTH, 

(JOHN   WILSON.) 

"This  work  is  a  criticism  on  all  those  English  writers  who  have  spoken  ex  cathedra  on 
the  poets  of  the  country The  book  merits  an  extensive  sale." 

"It  is  at  all  times  a  great  treat  to  read  anything  of 'Kit  North's,'  and  one  inclines  to- 
ward gluttony  in  enjoying  him.  But  it  is  a  harmless  excess,  that  never  cloys ;  so  this 
book  may  be  mentally  devoured  without  the  fear  of  painful  consequences." — N.  Y.  Spirit 
of  Hie  Times. 


MEXICO 

BEFORE  AND  AFTER  THE  CONQUEST. 

BY  MICHEL  CHEVALIER. 

Translated  from  the  French  by  Fay  Robinson. 

Price  25  Cents. 

"  It  is  a  very  good  summary  of  all  the  records,  from  Bernal  Dias  down  to  Prescott." — 
Southern  Patriot. 

"Mr.  Chevalier  has  treated  his  subject  in  a  very  enlarged  spirit,  giving  an  elaborate 
description  of  the  moral  and  political  condition  of  this  far-famed  '  garden  of  the  world,' 
under  the  ancient  sway  of  the  Aztec  Emperors,  and  afterward,  under  their  Spanish  Con- 
querors— with  notices  agricultural,  mineral,  manufacturing,  &c.  £c.  We  commend  the 
work  to  the  perusal  of  every  American,  particularly  at  this  interesting  juncture  of  the  fate 
of  Mexico,  now  trembling  in  the  balance."— N.  O.  Com.  Times. 

15 


JSOL,  MAR'S  FRENCH  JUVJ2  ENGLISH  GRAMMAR. 

A    THEORETICAL    AND    PRACTICAL 

GRAMMAR, 

IN  WHICH  THE  PRESENT  USAGE  IS  DISPLAYED  AGREEABLY  TO 
THE  DECISIONS  OF  THE  FRENCH  ACADEMY. 

BY  M.  DE  LEVIZAC. 

WITH  THE  ADDITION  OF 

A  COMPLETE  TREATISE  ON  THE  GENDERS  OF 
FRENCH   NOUNS, 

ALSO  THE  ADDITION  OF 

ALL    THE    FRENCH    VERBS, 

BOTH  REGULAR  AND  IRREGULAR,  CONJUGATED  AFFIRMATIVELY NEGATIVELY 

INTERROGATIVELY AND  NEGATIVELY  AND  INTERROGATIVELY. 

BY    A.    BOLMAR, 

Principal  of  the  West  Chester  Academy,  and  Author  of  several  works  to  facili- 
tate the  acquirement  of  the  French  Language. 

TWENTY-FIFTH  EDITION.     PRICE  $1  00.     BOUND. 


MISS  LESLIE'S  COMPLETE  COOKERY 

Price  $1  OO. 

DIRECTIONS    FOR    COOKERY 

IN  ITS  VARIOUS  BRANCHES. 

BY  MISS  LESLIE. 
Twenty-fourth  Edition. 

WITH   IMPROVEMENTS,  SUPPLEMENTARY  RECEIPTS,  AND  A  NEW  APPENDIX. 


MISS  LESLIE'S  LADY'S  RECEIPT  BOOK. 

'CONTAINING  NUMEROUS  RECEIPTS  FOR 
COOKING  PASTRY,  CAKES,  SWEETMEATS,  CORDIALS,  &c.  &c.  &c. 

Not  contained  in  her  "  Complete  Cookery/'  or  other  Works,  (nearly  ready  for 
Publication.) 

16 


TO  MISS  LESLIE'S  COOKERY. 

TM  f£     M  (R  HI  ®  15     [Q  (ffl  (fil  iff 
IrJ  £    IrJ  8!l  y  ^  £    ID  UD  liJ  Hi  n 

OR, 

A  MANUAL  OF  DOMESTIC  ECONOMY, 
FOR    TOWN    AND    COUNTRY. 

BY  MISS  LESLIE. 

Author  of  "  A  Complete  System  of  Cookery," — "  Seventy-five  Receipts,"  &c. 

CONTAINING    DIRECTIONS    FOR  LAUNDRY   WORK,   LIGHTS 
AND    FIRES,  REMOVING   STAINS,   CLEANING    FURNI- 
TURE, KITCHEN  AFFAIRS,  WAITING  ON  COM- 
PANY, CARVING,  HOUSE-CLEANING, 
MAKING    UP   LINEN,    DRESS. 
MAKING,  &c. 

EIGHTH    EDITION. 


ANNALS 

OF 

PHILADELPHIA  AND  PENNSYLVANIA, 

IN   THE  OLDEN  TIME. 

BEING  A  COLLECTION  OF  MEMOIRS,  ANECDOTES  AND  IN. 
CIDENTS  OF  THE  CITY  AND  ITS  INHABITANTS,  AND  OF 
THE  EARLIEST  SETTLEMENTS  OF  THE  INLAND  PART  OF 
PENNSYLVANIA,  FROM  THE  DAYS  OF  THE  FOUNDERS. 

Intended  to  preserve  the  recollections  of  olden  time,  and  to  exhibit 
society  in  its  changes  of  manners  and  customs,  and  the  city  and  country 
in  their  local  changes  and  improvements. 

BY    JOHN    F.    WATSON, 

MEMBER   OF    THE    HISTORICAL    SOCIETIES    OF    PEXXSTLYA^IA,   XEAV    YORK    AND 
MASSACHUSETTS. 

A  new  edition,  with  Engravings,  in  two  volumes  octavo. 


THE  COMIC  BLACKSTONE  OF  PUNCH, 

BY  GILBERT  ABBOTT  A  BECKETT. 
ILLUSTRATED     BY    GEORGE    CRUIKSHANK. 

Complete  in  four  parts. 

17 


In  Two  Volumes,  Price  $1  50, 

LIVES  OF 

MEN  OF  LETTERS  AND  SCIENCE 

WHO    FLOURISHED  DURING 

THE   TIME   OF    GEORGE    THE   THIRD. 

BY 

HENRY   LORD  BROUGHAM. 

INCLUDING 

VOLTAIRE,  ROUSSEAU,  HUME,  ROBERTSON,  BLACK,  PRIESTLEY, 

WATT,   CAVENDISH,   SIMPSON,   JOHNSON,   ADAM 

SMITH,   LAVOISIER,  GIBBON,  BANKS, 

ALEMBERT,  &c.  &c. 

"  It  is  impossible  to  take  up  a  volume  from  his  (Lord 
Brougham's)  pen,  without  being  interested  to  the  utmost  de- 
gree."— Soul  hern  Advertiser. 

"  With  the  singular  taste  for  literary  aad  scientific  pur- 
suits which  Lord  Brougham  is  known  to  possess,  his  fami- 
liarity with  the  distinguished  men  of  the  reign  of  George 
III.,  and  with  his  acknowledged  ability  in  the  condensation 
of  knowledge,  nothing  but  a  valuable  book  could  be  expect- 
ed from  his  pen,  under  the  above  title.  And  in  this  the  ad- 
mirers of  Lord  Brougham  have  suffered  no  disappointment, 
as  a  perusal  of  this  volume  will  prove.'7 — Daily  Chronicle. 

"  The  work,  the  title  of  which  introduces  this  notice,  is 
only  a  new  evidence  of  the  unabated  industry  of  this  extra- 
ordinary man Each  Life 

is  made  doubly  interesting  by  the  powerful  and  command- 
ing views  of  the  noble  editor 

We  commend  this  book  to  the  reader  with  confidence." — 

Pennsylvanian. 
18 


In  Two  Volumes.     Price  $1  00. 
COOPER'S    NAVAL    BIOGRAPHY. 

LIVES  OF  DISTINGUISHED  AMERICAN  NAVAL  OFFICERS. 
BY    JAMES    FENIMORE    COOPER, 

AUTHOR  OF  "THE  SPY."  "  PIONEERS."  &C. 

CONTENTS. 

BAINBRIDGE,  SHAW,  PREBLE,  SHUBRICK,  SOMERS,  PAUL-  JONES, 
WOOLSEY,  PERRY  AND  DALE. 

"The  ability  of  the  distinguished  author  fully  to  illustrate  the  lives  of  our  Naval  Heroes 
will  be  conceded  by  all,  while  his  pleasant  manner  and  style  will  tempt  many  a  reader 
to  become  better  acquainted  with  the  maritime  history  of  the  young  Republic." 

New  York  Spirit  of  the  Times. 

"  The  volume  before  us  contains  full  and  satisfactory  lives  of  Bainbridge.  Shaw,  Preble, 
Shubrick  and  Somers,  evidently  derived  from  original  sources.  Either  of  these  lives  is 
worth  more  than  the  low  price  demanded  for  the  whole  volume.  We  shall  look  with 
impatience  for  the  succeeding  volumes."—  Lady's  Book. 

A  very  interesting  collection  of  Naval  History  and  distinction.  Written  withease,  with- 
out pretension,  and  with  a  requisite  degree  of  animation." — Soitthern  Patriot. 


RAYER  ON   THE   DISEASES  OF  THE   SKIN. 

In  One  Volume,  Quarto.     Price  $15. 
A  THEORETICAL  AND  PRACTICAL  TREATISE  ON 

THE    DISEASES    OF    THE   SKIN. 

BY  P.  RAYER,  M.D. 

j?rom  tfje  Second  25tiitfon,  entire!]?  B-emo'Delc'U, 
WITH   NOTES   AND  OTHER  ADDITIONS, 

Br  JOHN  BELL,  M.D. 

WITH  FORTY  BEAUTIFULLY  COLORED  PLATES, 
Containing  Four  Hundred  separate  Illustrations, 

CAREFULLY  COLORED  FROM  NATURE. 

"The  work  of  M.  Raver  on  Diseases  of  the  Skin,  in  its  elaborateness,  copiousness  of 
detail,  and  minuteness  of  description,  is  unrivaled  by  any  other  on  this  subject;  and  we 
are  quite  safe  in  saying  that,  as  regards  the  colored  plates  of  the  several  cutaneous  af- 
fections, nothing  equal  to  it  has  been  published  in  the  United  States.  It  is  indeed  a 
monument  of  talent  and  industry,  and  laste,  creditable  both  to  the  author  and  the  artist." 

Bulletin  of  Medical  Science. 

19 


A  CRITICAL  COMMENTARY  AND  PARAPHRASE 

OX  THE 

OLH  AND  NEW  TESTAMENT  AND  THE  APOCRYPHA. 

By  PATRICK,  LOWTH,  ARNALD,  WHITBY  &  LOWMAN. 

A  New  Edition,  with  the  Text  printed  at  large,  in  Four  Volumes,  8vo. 

No xv  Complete— Price  $15,  Cloth  Gilt. 

Phila.,  Nov.  24lA,  1843. 

I  consider  the  furnishing  an  American  edition  of  Patrick,  Lowlh  and  Whitby,  a  very 
great  benefit  to  the  cause  of  sound  biblical  learning  incur  country. 

STEPHEN  H.  TYNG, 
Rector  of  the  Epiphany. 

W.  W.  SPEAR, 
Factor  of  St  Luke's  Church. 
Philada.,  Nov  24i/i,lH3. 

I  unite  cordially  in  the  opinions  above  expressed,  of  the  value  of  the  Commentary  on 
the  Holy  Scriptures,  by  Patrick.  Lowth  and  Whitby.  J.  C.  CLAY, 

Rtctor  of  Swedes'  Church 

We  concur  in  the  foregoing.  JOHN  COLEMAN, 

Rector  of  Trinity  Church, 

W.  H.  ODENHEIMEK, 
Rector  of  St.  Peter's  Church. 

Tuos.  J.  DAVIS. 
HENRY  W.  DUCACHET, 
Rector  of  St.  Stephen's  Church 

THOS.  M.  CL^BK, 
Rector  of  St.  Andrew^  Church. 

Philada.  Dec.  12th,  1843. 

GENTLEMEN  :— I  am  glad  to  hear  that  you  are  about  to  put  Pitman's  collection  of  com- 
mentaries by  Patrick,  Lowth,  Whitby  and  Lovvman.  within  the  reach  of  theological 
students  and  studious  Christians.  Though  far  from  agreeing  with,  indeed  widely  differing 
from,  many  things  said  by  those  learned  expositors  of  the  Word  of  God,  I  cannot  doubt 
the  great  value  of  the  work  as  a  whole.  It  has  been  my  constant  companion  in  studying 
the  Scriptures  for  nearly  twenty  years,  and  the  well-worn  condition  of  its  several 
volumes,  shows  how  often  they  have  been  handled.  Thanking  you  for  having  undertaken 
so  useful  an  enterprise,  and  wishing  you  every  success, 

1  am,  gentlemen,  your  obedient  servant, 

GEO.  W.  BETHUNE, 

Pastor  of  the  Third  Dutch  Reformed  Church. 
Philada.  Nov.  28th,  1843. 

The  Commentaries  of  Patrick,  Lowth  and  Whitby,  have  been  too  long  before  the 
Christian  public,  and  have  been  held  in  loo  high  estimation,  to  need  at  this  day  commen- 
dation. These  are  among  the  best  works  on  the  portions  of  Holy  Scriptures  on  which 
they  treat,  in  the  English  or  probably  any  other  language.  An  American  edition  of  them, 
which  will  place  them  within  the  reach  of  Christians  generally  has  been  for  a  Jong  time 
needed;  and  now  that  it  is  furnished,  deserves,  audit  is  presumed,  will  receive  general 
pjitroiiiitrc  *  {-'•A-STi/Kj 

Pastor  of  the  Nazareth  M.  E.  Church. 

I  fully  concur  in  the  above  recommendation.  L.  SCOTT, 

Pastor  of  the  M.  E.  U.  Church. 

I  cheerfully  concur  in  the  views  expressed  in  the  above  recommendation. 

]•:.  L.  JANES, 
Pastor  of  St.  George's  M.  E.  Church. 

I  concur  in  the  above  recommendation.  J-  B.  HAG  ANY, 

Pastor  of  Ebenezt.r  M.  E.  Charch. 

I  fully  concur  in  the  above  recommendation. 

Pastor  of  Trinity  M.  E.  Church. 

I  e.  1UV,  l-!'i. 

The  Commentary  of  Patrick.  Lowth  and  Whitb  ast  by  reputation,  to 

every  ad  is  universally  r-  .ndard  work;  allhou 

high  ].i  .id. M!  it  from  most  private  libraries.    The  undersigned,  having  lei 

tluilM.  t  contemplate  republishing  the  work  and  popu.ar 

form,  ta  •;  book  to  all  with  whom  his  name  may  have  niltu- 

J.    F.    OEK'r, 


